[snip]

> a time instead of grasping for some formula that will convert all the
> outer numbers into one answer. Problem is, I have no idea where to begin.

I was starting on just going back to simple arithmetic patterns... maybe the solution lies just in these patterns... the numbers/letters we get out would possibly be the numbers we add/remove to make the patterns work.

I dont have anything right now... but if i find anything I'll be sure to post it :)