Maths problem

[tedsmum]

Can someone help me with a math problem, make the total of 24 using 8,8,3 and 3. All numbers must be used and you can only add, minus, multiply and divide. This has been set for a year 4 (9 year olds!) class.
Many thanks for your answers.

[sherrardk]

8 x 8 / 3 + 3 = 24 (I hope)

[Ellipsis]

To the nearest integer, sherrardk is correct.

Otherwise could it be a trick question? The answer is 8x3, and 8 and 3 are the only two numbers given ... they just happen to be given twice.

[MarkRae]

8/(3-(8/3))

[Ellipsis]

Wow, very good MarkRae! Surprised that's a problem for nine-year-olds though.

Googling, I see it's quite a common problem - e.g. http://www.mathsisfun...8-8-3-3-solution.html

[ChuckFickens]

"8/(3-(8/3))"

Yep, but that's a pretty tough one for a 9yr old!

[DTCwordfan]

what else is there, logarithms and exponentials I guess....