Programming Challenge

Nine 9s

Combining nine 9s with any number of the operators +, -, *, /, (, ) ,
what is the smallest positive integer that cannot be expressed? * * *
Hints:

* * * 1)The answer isn't zero. You can express zero like this:
* * * * * * (9 - 9) * (9 + 9 + 9 + 9 + 9 + 9 + 9)
* * Also, zero isn't a positive integer.

* * * 2) The answer isn't one. You can express one like this:
* * * * * * *9 - (9 * 9 - 9)/9 + 9 - 9 + 9 - 9

* * * 3) It's not a trick question.

* * * 4) Be sure to handle parentheses correctly.

Notes:

* * * You cannot exponentiate.
* * * You cannot concatenate (for example, put two 9s together to make
99).
* * * The - operator can be used in either its binary or unary form.
* * * Assume base 10.

--EDIT--

The correct text, this time.

can I flip the 9 so that it looks like a 6?

can I flip the 9 so that it looks like a 6?

Nope, sorry I can't allow that

bc session:

((9*(9+9))/(9*9))+9-9+9-9
2.00

And I'm glad you're not heart broken anymore (juding from your avatar at least)

bc session:

((9*(9+9))/(9*9))+9-9+9-9
2.00

Nope... the smallest positive integer which CANNOT be expressed.. 2 can be expressed.

GnuVince, you will probably have to do some coding in order to solve this... and don't expect me to have the answer, I'm trying to solve it as well.... along with several engineering students.

I just wanted to show that 2 could be expressed.

And I'm glad you're not heart broken anymore (juding from your avatar at least)

Nope sorry, still hung on her...

[ndogg]

What do you mean by "cannot be expressed"?

What do you mean by "cannot be expressed"?

We are looking for the smallest positive integer which we cannot make using the above...