Here is another opportunity to embark upon an exciting excursion through some virtually uncharted terrain in the realm of puzzledom. The author, a renowned authority in the field, proudly presents a second stellar collection of alphametics to challenge his readers. Each is a thought-provoking decoding problem requiring the solver to replace letters of the alphabet with appropriate digits so that the resulting numerical version becomes a valid addition example.
The action commences before the book is ever opened, as the very first alphametic appears as part of the colorful cover design. Once inside, you will encounter the author's dedication, itself phrased alphametically, along with some words of praise from Martin Gardner in the foreword. The preface includes a list of ten helpful hints to aid in the general decoding procedure. Forty new additive alphametics are found in Section 1, and these fall into two categories--ideal, doubly-true type and the narrative type. In the former, all ten digits appear in the solution, and a mathematically valid addition example results by simply reading the problem aloud (e.g., Fifteen + Fifteen + Forty = Seventy). The latter is presented within the context of some informative paragraphs or as part of a brain teaser which also must be solved. Grids are conveniently provided on facing pages for the recording of answers, and interesting integer idiosyncracies are interspersed throughout the text.
Section 2 offers a directed approach to each and every one of the problems, outlining a solution strategy without actually "spilling the beans." Actual solutions appear in Section 3, and these are randomly arranged to prevent inadvertent glances at "next answers." This third section also contains the resolutions of any queries raised in the narrative alphametics.
"Digits? Numbers?? Mathematics!!!" you exclaim with obvious trepidation, cowed by the specter of complicated calculations. Indeed, this reaction is understandable, for deciphering a mathematical problem can often be a perplexing experience. At times, the process becomes so frustrating that the perspective solver throws hands into the air and abandons the project entirely. However, the intent here is precisely the opposite. In truth, the beauty of these puzzles can be traced to the fact that success is not achieved through pure mathematical expertise, but rather through a combination of logical thought and tenacity. Be forewarned that no general process exists for solving alphametics, since each necessitates its own individual approach. Herein lies the adventure, and it is of little consequence whether you are a professional number theorist or an amateur digit shuffler. As you raise the gauntlet to explore the various avenues of attack, come well equipped with foresight and perception.
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