CRACK THE CODE CODE A NUMERIC LOCK HAS A 3 DIGIT KEY HINT 482 416 One number is correct One number is correct and well placed but wrong placed 738 Nothing is correct 204 Two numbers are correct but wrong placed 780 One number is correct but wrong placed
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct code is 042.
Let’s break down the logic behind this solution using each clue:
- 738 – “Nothing is correct.” This immediately eliminates 7, 3, and 8 from the possible digits.
- 482 – “One number is correct and well placed.” Since 8 is already ruled out, the correct digit must be either 4 or 2. One of them is in the right position.
- 416 – “One number is correct but wrong placed.” If 4 were the digit referred to here, it would not be in the first position as it was in clue 482. Therefore, if 4 is the correct digit in this clue, it must not be in position one. 6 and 1 are unhelpful since 738 has already established 8 is invalid and this hint helps place 4 out of position one.
- 204 – “Two numbers are correct but wrong placed.” 0, 2, and 4 must contain the two correct digits, but none are in their correct positions in this clue. This confirms all three are likely part of the code. 0 and 2 must be present and misplaced, possibly along with 4.
- 780 – “One number is correct but wrong placed.” Since 7 and 8 are eliminated, 0 must be the valid digit here and out of place in its current position.
Pulling it together:
- 4 is correct and fits position one (based on 482).
- 0 cannot be in position three (from 780) or two (from 204), so it must be in position two.
- 2, left over, fits position three.
Thus, the correct code is 042.
This puzzle hinges on elimination and placement logic. Each clue strategically narrows the field of possible digits and their placements. By cross-referencing what is ruled out with what is confirmed, we triangulate the exact code with clarity and confidence.
