Most difficult Countdown maths round was solved in seconds - try it out

10 January 2024 , 15:00

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Can you answer any of the tricky questions?

Countdown is an infamous programme that makes people seriously competitive, sitting at the edge of their seats in anticipation so they can try and answer the question before their family and friends.

Launched in 1982, it's likely been the root cause of a fair few spats between pals, and it's renowned as one of the toughest quizzes out there - particularly the maths round which gets people scratching their heads.

Over the years, Channel 4 viewers have tuned in and Countdown's current host Colin Murray, assisted by Rachel Riley with lexicographer Susie Dent, entertains and baffles viewers in equal measure.

Some of the Countdown rounds have been solved - somewhat unbelievably - within mere moments. In fact, some of the trickiest and toughest rounds posed to those competing have ended in a record time of under 30 seconds.

Below are some of the toughest we've seen over the years - and the players responsible for getting to a solution. But do you think you could give any of them a go?

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'Maths wizard'

James had 30 seconds to use the numbers 25, 50, 75, 100, 3, and 6 to calculate how to get as close to 952 as possible.

Here's how he did it:

100 + 6 = 106

106 x 3 = 318

318 x 75 = 23,850

23,850-50 =23,800

23,800/25

=

952

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'Terrific' George

In October 2014, George was tasked with using 1, 2, 25 and 100, as well as 75 and 50, to get to 940.

George managed it by doing:

75 x 25 = 1875

He then added one for 1876, before multiplying by 50 for 93800, and divided by 100 to give 938, before adding 2.

"Well done!" exclaimed Rachel Riley.

"Terrific George," said Nick Hewer.

'Where did we find this guy?'

To get 813, Carol tasked two contestants with using 1, 10, 25, 50, 75 and 100.

John said he had 813, using:

75 - 10 = 65

65 x 25 = 1625

1625 + 1 = 1626

1626 x 50 = 81300

81300 divided by 100 = 813

"Where did we find this guy?" asked Richard Whiteley.

Did you answer any of these? Let us know in the comments.

James Rodger