The 2026 Yearly Maths Challenge

2026 Yearly Number Challenge

The 2026 math challenge is a simple to explain puzzle that will keep you captivated for hours. Using the digits in the current year exactly one time each, can you write a mathematical expression for each digit between 1 and 100? You may use any mathematical symbol or operation of your choosing. Multi-digits are permitted, so you can use 20, 62, .02 etc.

If you are in England do engage with Maths Week England and support it in every way that you can. If you are not in England you can still have a go at these challenges. You can post your answers here in the comments and all the answers will be given at the end of the year.

More Challenges

1. Write 2026 as a sum of consecutive positive integers. How many ways can you do it?

2. A rectangular garden has integer side lengths and an area of 2026 square meters. What is the difference between the least and greatest possible perimeters?

3. What is the sum of 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + ··· + 2026?

4. Using only common mathematical symbols and operations and the digits 2, 0, 2, and 6, make an expression that is exactly equal to 100. (Bonus: make an expression using the four digits in order.)

5. All possible four-digit numbers that can be made with the digits 2, 0, 2,and 6 are formed and arranged in ascending order. What is the median of those numbers?

6. What fraction is equivalent to 0.2026?

7. Create a 4 × 4 magic square in which the sum of each row, column, and diagonal is 2026. (Bonus points if you can do it with consecutive integers.)