For example:
9567 + 1085 = 10652 can be represented like this: abcd + efgb = efcbh
One of the best known cryptarithm is | S | E | N | D | + | M | O | R | E | ______________________ | M | O | N | E | Y | first published in the July 1924 issue of Strand Magazine. This puzzle was made by the famous puzzlist H. E. Dudeney. This puzzle is also called an alphametic because the the letters in the puzzle form a sensible phrase SEND MORE MONEY. This puzzle has the solution of | 9 | 5 | 6 | 7 | + | 1 | 0 | 8 | 5 | ______________________ | 1 | 0 | 6 | 5 | 2 |
This alphametic or cryptarithm is popular not only because the letters in the puzzle form a very popular phrase, but it has also a unique solution.
History
The invention of Cryptarithmetic has been ascribed to ancient China. This art was originally known as letter arithmetic or verbal arithmetic. In India, during the Middle Ages, were developed the arithmetical restorations or "skeletons" a type of cryptarithms in which most or all of the digits have been replaced by asterisks.
In 1864 the first cryptarithm appeared in the USA, in American Agriculturist.
The word