7

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I could use gaussian elimination if I make some assumptions or does any one have another suggestion?

chris loughnane
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    It looks like the symbol means you subtract the second number from the first and then subtract two – J. W. Tanner Nov 15 '19 at 01:32
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    Define that symbol $\circ$ as an operator of two inputs such that $a\circ b= a-b-2$. – Andrew Chin Nov 15 '19 at 01:33
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    that's a bruh moment – Saketh Malyala Nov 15 '19 at 01:36
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    Of course there are infinitely many functions satisfying $f(10,3)=5, f(8,1)=5, f(6,2)=2$ so technically $f(9,2)$ does not have a unique value. However, assuming the child hasn't learnt multiplication or division yet, you basically have $10 ± 3 ± a = 5$ and so on for the other equations, so there aren't too many possibilities. – Toby Mak Nov 15 '19 at 01:39

2 Answers2

5

Andrew Chin's answer definitely works. Define $x\boxdot y$ by $$x \boxdot y = x - y - 2,$$ and it fits the data given.

Andrew Chin
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Jolly Llama
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0

Say the first number is x, the second is y, and the answer is A.

I believe the formula is A = x-(2+y).

Another that works is A = x-y-2

According to this logic:

a) 9 ● 2=5

b) ● = -2-

I hope that answers your question.

Glowing0v3rlord
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