Make 96 with four 9s

The classic four nines puzzle: build an expression from exactly four 9s that equals 96. 96 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 96 — the solver checked every possible expression.

Solutions with concatenation and decimals

Concatenation and decimals do not help for 96 either — every combination was checked.

Solutions with square roots, factorials, exponents

99 - 9 / sqrt(9) = 96
99 + sqrt(9)! - 9 = 96
99 - 9 + sqrt(9)! = 96
9 × 9 + 9 + sqrt(9)! = 96
9 + 9 × 9 + sqrt(9)! = 96

…and 18 more at this tier.

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

Make 95 with four 9s · Make 97 with four 9s

The Number Lab

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