Most satisfying problem

There's a lot of fun problems on Brilliant, but a select number that I have seen give you that really nice feeling to get right. It's hard to describe well, but some problems aren't too frustrating/easy, not too obscure-theorem-based, but thought candy that uses simple riddles to lead you to the answer, whether it be Algebra, Geometry, or anything.

I really enjoy these problems. If you have a favourite, please share them. I know I'm being vague, and I wish I had an example, but if you wrote anything you are particularly proud of for being easy but hard, hard but easy, I'd very much like to enjoy this type of maths again. Let me know if you know what I mean, pardon my comma splices.

#Satisfying

Easy Math Editor

This discussion board is a place to discuss our Daily Challenges and the math and science related to those challenges. Explanations are more than just a solution — they should explain the steps and thinking strategies that you used to obtain the solution. Comments should further the discussion of math and science.

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Markdown	Appears as
`italics` or `_italics_`	italics
`bold` or `__bold__`	bold
- bulleted - list	bulleted list
1. numbered 2. list	numbered list
Note: you must add a full line of space before and after lists for them to show up correctly
paragraph 1 paragraph 2	paragraph 1 paragraph 2
`[example link](https://brilliant.org)`	example link
`> This is a quote`	This is a quote
# I indented these lines # 4 spaces, and now they show # up as a code block. print "hello world"	# I indented these lines # 4 spaces, and now they show # up as a code block. print "hello world"

Math	Appears as
Remember to wrap math in `$` ... `$` or `\[` ... `\]` to ensure proper formatting.
`2 \times 3`	$2 \times 3$
`2^{34}`	$2^{34}$
`a_{i-1}`	$a_{i-1}$
`\frac{2}{3}`	$\frac{2}{3}$
`\sqrt{2}`	$\sqrt{2}$
`\sum_{i=1}^3`	$\sum_{i=1}^3$
`\sin \theta`	$\sin \theta$
`\boxed{123}`	$\boxed{123}$

Comments

@Spock Weakhypercharge, here is one of my sets Trickster. I don't know if you would like it. Try to share your experience with me, sir.

Ameya Salankar - 7 years, 1 month ago

https://imgur.com/r/all/xhhfgVg

Spock Weakhypercharge - 7 years, 1 month ago

@Spock Weakhypercharge, lol!

Ameya Salankar - 7 years, 1 month ago

Does this only apply to mathematics problem or physics and chem too

Mardokay Mosazghi - 7 years, 1 month ago

I had math in mind but I also like elementary physics and chem as long as they are like the first Olympiad level. I don't know, I just posted because people say they pursue maths because of the satisfaction they get after solving a problem and not all problems are like that for me if they are too difficult. I'll post something that I find fun and see if you agree.

Spock Weakhypercharge - 7 years, 1 month ago

Which molecule is correctly matched with its shape as predicted by VSEPR theory?

(A) PCl3 trigonal pyramidal

(B) OF2 linear

(D) SF6 hexagonal

That one isn't that creative, but I guess its still nice to think about. USNCO 2014 number 54.

Spock Weakhypercharge - 7 years, 1 month ago

https://brilliant.org/community-problem/elementary-yet-fun-fezziks/?group=nKhJ3sNPiGr8

Love this one. It is simple, but I don't know much mechanics so I was surprised to get the right answer. I'll make a set of favs.

Spock Weakhypercharge - 7 years, 1 month ago

Math	Appears as
Remember to wrap math in `\(` ... `\)` or `\[` ... `\]` to ensure proper formatting.
`2 \times 3`	$2 \times 3$
`2^{34}`	$2^{34}$
`a_{i-1}`	$a_{i-1}$
`\frac{2}{3}`	$\frac{2}{3}$
`\sqrt{2}`	$\sqrt{2}$
`\sum_{i=1}^3`	$\sum_{i=1}^3$
`\sin \theta`	$\sin \theta$
`\boxed{123}`	$\boxed{123}$