What is Targets?
Targets is a daily math puzzle where you’re given a set of numbers and need to build a calculation that hits a target number shown at the top of the screen. Use addition, subtraction, multiplication and division to combine the numbers and reach the target – or get as close as you can.
If you’ve played the numbers round on TV’s Countdown, you’ll know the idea – combine the given numbers to reach a target. Targets brings that concept to the nerdleverse as a daily puzzle you can play at your own pace.
Standard order of operations applies: multiplication and division are evaluated before addition and subtraction, and operators of equal precedence are evaluated left to right (e.g. 8/2×4 = 16, not 1).
Scoring
- 3 stars – you match the target exactly.
- 2 stars – within 5% of the target.
- 1 star – within 10% of the target.
Four levels
- Level 1 – one target. A gentle introduction.
- Level 2 – two targets to hit.
- Level 3 – three targets at once.
- Level 4 – four targets at once. The full challenge.
More number puzzles
If you enjoy Targets, try nanagrams (find hidden calculations in a set of tiles) or cross nerdle (a math crossword). For a different kind of grid puzzle, maffdoku combines sudoku with arithmetic.