Make 42 with four 9s

The classic four nines puzzle: build an expression from exactly four 9s that equals 42. 42 cannot be made with + - × ÷, concatenation, or decimals (the solver checked every expression) — solutions need square roots, factorials, or exponents.

Solutions using only + - × ÷

No expression made of four plain 9s and + - × ÷ reaches 42 — the solver checked every possible expression.

Solutions with concatenation and decimals

Concatenation and decimals do not help for 42 either — every combination was checked.

Solutions with square roots, factorials, exponents

9 + 99 / sqrt(9) = 42
9 × sqrt(9)! - 9 - sqrt(9) = 42
9 × sqrt(9)! - sqrt(9) - 9 = 42
9 × sqrt(9) + 9 + sqrt(9)! = 42
9 + 9 × sqrt(9) + sqrt(9)! = 42

…and 72 more at this tier.

77 distinct solutions found in total, after removing trivial rearrangements.

Make 41 with four 9s · Make 43 with four 9s

The Number Lab

Same idea, different constraints: four 9s, four 4s, or any four digits you like.

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