Use the following numbers to give a total of 24. 1, 3, 4, 6 You can only use each number once?

Question

you can multiply, subtract, add, divide etc.

Answer 1

I'm assuming you mean *only* the four common operators; as this is a very well known puzzle (called the 24 game, or something similar).
In that case, its actually impossible (I have written a computer program to prove this for me). Of course, its possible if you allow various other things like ! or ^, but not with just +-/*.

Answer 2

There are multiple solutions:

[a] (6! / 4!) - (3! x 1) = 30 - 6 = 24

[b] 4! x {(6 / 3) - 1} = 24

[c] (6 x 4) x 1^3 = 24

[d] in base-9 maths: (6 x 3) + (4 x 1) = 2 (9s) + 4 units = 24

[e] in base-11 maths: (6 x 4) + (3 - 1) = 2 (11s) + 4 units = 24

[f] in base-12 maths: (6 x 4) + (3 + 1) = 2 (12s) + 4 units = 24

There is a commercially-marketed game used in primary schools called Math 24, whose basic rules go like this (we are not bound by these, obviously):

A standard Math 24 card consists of four digits arranged radially around the center of the card.

(See the 2nd link to see what the cards look like.)

The number (and color) of dots in the corner of a card indicates the difficulty (and point value) of that particular card. Cards are double-sided, with a different set of numbers on each side.

A card is solved by using all four digits on the card exactly once to form a total of 24, using addition, subtraction, multiplication, and/or division. Digits may be used in any order, and any result from a previous mathematical operation can be used in a future operation for that card. For example, a card with the digits 2, 3, 6, and 9 could be solved by stating that 6-3=3, 3+9=12, and 12x2=24. There is often more than one answer to a card. A second solution could be that 9x3=27, 6/2=3, and 27-3=24.

Each digit on the card must be used exactly once in an answer. The solution to the above card could not be 3+9=12, 12x2=24, as the digit 6 is completely unused. Also, the solution could not be 2x6=12, 12-3=9, 9+9=18, 18+6=24, as the number six is used twice.

Cards are divided into three levels of difficulty. One-dot cards (with a single white dot in each corner) are often solved by simple addition, or contain three digits that can make 24, plus a 1 (in which case any other digit could be multiplied or divided by 1 to create the same digit). Two-dot cards (with two red dots) are slightly more difficult, and often require more multiplication and division than one-dot cards. Three-dot cards (with three yellow dots) are the most difficult cards, often having only one solution. In most decks of Math 24 cards, the ratio of one-dot cards to two-dot cards to three-dot cards is 1:2:1.

In all versions, the loop of the digit 9 is filled in with red, so that it is distinguished from the digit 6.

There are also tournament rules for using these cards. Seems like a fun way to introduce kids to versatile mental arithmetic and especially the idea that problems can have multiple solutions!

Answer 3

Can I use exponents? If so, then 4 * 6 * 1^3 = 24

Answer 4

(6 * 4) * 1³ = 24

Answer 5

Do I have to use all of them?
4*6=24

Answer 6

you can multiply, subtract, add, divide etc., so you can also use exponents, factorials, etc. Therefore, one solution is
1³ · 4 · 6 = 24

^_^

Answer 7

4x6x(1 to the power of 3,1x1x1)

Answer 8

4X6=24