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Jun 11, 2026
Analyzed by GPT OSS 120B

Can you solve it? Do you have a snout for numbers?

AI Summary
The Guardian posted a number‑4 puzzle asking readers to find the smallest integer N that begins with 4 and becomes a quarter of itself when the leading digit is moved to the end. The article teases the solution and invites discussion without spoilers.

What the Guardian Puzzle Challenges Readers

The Guardian’s latest Monday puzzle invites fans of the number 4 to solve a classic digit‑rotation riddle. Readers are asked to find the smallest integer N that starts with 4 and, when the leading 4 is moved to the end, the new number equals one‑quarter of N.

The 4‑Shift Puzzle: Rules and the Quest for N

Formally, N is of the form 4… (a leading 4 followed by a sequence of digits) and satisfies:

  • N ÷ 4 = …4 (the same digits with the 4 now at the end)

The article provides a hint to start with two‑digit numbers and increase the length until a solution is found.

Mathematical Insight: Why the Solution Exists at 102564

Solving the equation 4 × (10·x + 4) = 10·x + 4 yields the smallest integer 102564. Moving the leading 4 to the end gives 025641, which is exactly ¼ of 102564.

Why Such Brain Teasers Matter in Modern Media

These puzzles stimulate logical thinking, drive engagement on social platforms, and reinforce the Guardian’s brand as a source of intellectually‑rich content. They also create a community of solvers who share methods without revealing the answer, fostering discussion.

What to Expect from Future Guardian Puzzles

The column promises a new challenge every alternate Monday, suggesting a continued mix of classic Olympiad problems and original riddles. Readers can anticipate more mathematically‑driven content that blends education with entertainment.