Equation Guessing Game

Find the hidden equation, like 12+35=47, in six guesses. Each guess must be a true equation. After each try, green means the right symbol in the right place, yellow means it is in the equation but somewhere else, and gray means it is not there.

How to play

1. Type a true equation using digits and + − × ÷ =, filling every box. Use the on-screen keys or your keyboard (x for ×, / for ÷).
2. Press Enter. Tiles turn green (right symbol, right place), yellow (in the equation, wrong place) or gray (not in the equation, or no more copies of it).
3. Use the clues to find the equation within 6 guesses.

Rules for a valid guess

• Exactly one = sign, with a single whole number on the right.
• The left side follows the order of operations: × and ÷ before + and −. So 2+3×4 is 14, not 20.
• No leading zeros, and the left side must use at least one operation.
• 12+35=47 and 35+12=47 are different guesses: order matters.

Strategy tips

• Start with a guess that uses many different digits and two operations, like 9×8-7=65.
• The = sign is usually near the end, because the answer has only one to three digits.
• Use what the answer’s size tells you: a two-digit sum of two two-digit numbers means both are fairly small.
• Check yellow digits in every other position before reusing gray ones.

Order of operations quiz: 10 questions

Test yourself with 10 multiple-choice questions. Choose an answer and press Submit to see if you are right and why. Your score appears at the end.

Frequently asked questions

Is this like Nerdle?

It is a similar idea: a word-game style puzzle where you guess an equation instead of a word. Puzzles here are generated at random, so you can play as many as you like.

Do I have to use the order of operations?

Yes. Multiplication and division are done before addition and subtraction, just like in math class.

Can I play on my phone?

Yes. Use the on-screen keyboard below the board.

Why is my guess rejected?

Every guess must be a true equation with exactly one = sign and a whole number on the right. The message tells you what is wrong.

Can the answer be negative or a fraction?

No. Hidden equations always have a whole number, zero or more, on the right side.

Sources

• OpenStax Prealgebra 2e: Order of Operations

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