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Science communication is important in today's technologically advanced society. A good part of the adult community is not science savvy and lacks the background to make sense of rapidly changing technology. My blog attempts to help by publishing articles of general interest in an easy to read and understand format without using mathematics. You can contact me at ektalks@yahoo.co.uk

Wednesday, 27 May 2026

Dude Numbers - Interesting Numbers Developed Following Henry Dudeney's Puzzle Number 114

Category:  Self Indulgence 

Henry Dudeney's fantastic book Amusements in Mathematics (available for free download) was published in 1917.  The book is a brilliant collection of over 400 brainteasers - fun for nerds!  Every puzzle presents a challenge; answers are provided - solutions are not.  In my folder, I still have a bank of puzzles I cannot solve!

Puzzle 114 describes Curious Numbers; in this feature I wish to discuss this puzzle and generalise the idea to extend the challenge and curiosity.  

But first - what are curious numbers - I looked at Google Search and they directed me to the Penguin Dictionary of Curious & Interesting Numbers.  It seems there is a plethora of Curious Numbers - so we need to find a different name  - to acknowledge Henry Dudeney, I think Dude numbers is a good choice (I didn't like the other option of Dud numbers!).

Puzzle 114 is described in slide 1:









I hope you have enjoyed reading this blog.  I am amazed at the genius of Henry Dudeney who had collected a fantastic range of puzzles.







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