I've been presented with a math puzzle that I can't seem to solve. The puzzle is a variation of the old game of "24" that used to come on cards. There are six input numbers, and 4 operations allowed. Each input and each operation may only be used once. Order of operations applies, so multiplication and division are processed before addition and subtraction. The six inputs are:
6, 9, 11, 12, 25, and 27.
The 4 allowed operations are:
addition, subtraction, multiplication, division.
The puzzle: Using each input and each operation no more than once, and following the standard mathematical order of operations, find a way to get the result of 12. At least one operation must be used.
What is the solution? Is there a standard way beside brute force to find the solution?
Thanks