Project Euler Forum

Hello,

There is a specific problem I've been trying to solve for a month now. I've tried everything in my knowledge. Finally I've decided to try and see the tags, to point me in the right direction. The shown tags did not give me anything new. But there is one hidden tag, that might help me. And I really want to solve this problem, so I went as far as to see every problem that matched this one. And I've characterized EVERY single problem that carries this tag. But this tag is hidden on 100% of those problems. I am talking about a list of about 50 problems (some of which I have solved, but most I haven't). I have the full list, but I don't think it's suitable to post here.

How can I improve and learn a new method in problem solving, if I cannot even know what it is I need to learn and reasearch in order to improve? I do understand it is hidden because it might give away too much, but if it's hidden in every problem, I believe we're missing the point of tags here... There should be at least one problem where it is not hidden, so you can learn it and apply to the others. If nothing else, this tag may as well be removed altogether, as it currently serves no purpose at all.

I would really appreciate and be thankful if any moderator could PM me and tell me what this tag is (and of course I'll provide the problems in which it appears to be specific). I want to learn about this method, read and research about it and be able to unlock a new way of thinking. Because as of now, I am just stuck and will remain stuck because I have no idea how to continue.

Thanks in advance!

redshiftz wrote: Mon Sep 26, 2022 6:13 pmI am talking about a list of about 50 problems (some of which I have solved, but most I haven't).

Maybe you've already done this, but since you don't mention it: one next step would be to analyse the problems you have solved and see what the solutions have in common. Also, read their discussion threads carefully, noting down any named theorems or areas of theory, and look for overlaps.

One (imperfect) description of mathematics is that it's about looking for patterns which unify apparently distinct phenomena, so trying to deduce the hidden tag by yourself is a good problem in its own right.

pjt33 wrote: Tue Sep 27, 2022 9:02 am so trying to deduce the hidden tag by yourself is a good problem in its own right.

I absolutely agree with this, but I have done it. I do have a guess what this tag is, or sort of. I can see common characteristics. But I do not know how to research it, I don't have the formal definition of it. Maybe there is an entire book for this type of problems but I cannot find it. This is the frustrating part.