How to find combinations of certain numbers that total 42

Is there a way to determine all combinations of two or more of the following numbers that add up to 42? The numbers are: 5 6 10 12 15 20 25 30

Thanks!!

If you assume that each number is used only once in a given sum, you can easily generate them. Start at the top, for example, 30+12=42.

Thanks, but I am not assuming that each number is used only once.

You've 8 values, the least of which is 5. This limits your usage to a maximum of 8.
You've 8 values, the greatest of which is 30. This limits your usage to a minimum 2.


Any using exactly 2 values? Yes. Try all 64 variations and see what works. You can eliminate many without actually performing the arithmetic.

Any using exactly 3 values? etc.

It's not magic. You have to do a little hunting.

Anonymous said:

Thanks, but I am not assuming that each number is used only once.

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so you're saying 6+6+6+6+6+6+6 = 42 is a solution?