The Game24 is a mathematical game in which the object is to find a way to manipulate four integers so that the end result is 24. Addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division may be used to make four digits from one to nine equal 24.
For an example card with the numbers 4,7,8,8, a possible solution is the following: (7-8/8)*4=24.
Mastering this game requires fast thinking, but with enough practice, the ability to spot useful patterns increases. Some experienced players can make 24 with almost any four numbers. There are several sequences that lead to 24 that players frequently try to obtain.
For example, the solutions 6 x 4, 8 x 3, 2 x 12, 18 + 6, 16 + 8, and 10 + 14 often appear.
There are many common patterns that help a player to acquire a solution faster. It is beneficial to look for common multiplication patterns, such as 12 x 2, 8 x 3, and 6 x 4 in a card to equal 24. Similarly, multiplying a digit by another digit that is one more or less than the usual multiplicative pair (for example, 4 x 5 or 4 x 7 instead of 4 x 6) then adding or subtracting the first number (20 + 4 or 28 – 4) is a common strategy for reaching 24. This strategy comes from the law of distributivity from elementary algebra.