Answer to October 29, 2001 Problem

from the Ask Marilyn column in Parade magazine

The Number Table Problem
Each of the top three rows of numbers demonstartes the same arithmetical pattern. Discover what the pattern is. Then determine what number should be substituted for the question mark.
  7     4     8  
  3     9     7  
  6     5   10  
  ?     8   4

Solution:
The answer is 3.

  7   x   4   -   8   = 20
  3   x   9   -   7   = 20
  6   x   5   - 10   = 20
  3   x   8 -   4 = 20

Thanks to everyone who sent in a solution to this week's problem. It was nice to see such a large contingent from Brookstone School in Columbus, Georgia!


Correctly solved by:

1. Richard K. Johnson La Jolla, California
2. Bob Hearn Winchester, Virginia
3. Diana Xing Fort Collins, Colorado
4. Walt Arrison Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
5. Tony Wu Fort Collins, Colorado
6. Janine Oliver Winchester, Virginia
7. George Gaither Winchester, Virginia
8. Izzy Kushner Closter, New Jersey
9. Kirstine Wynn Winchester, Virginia
10. Renata Sommerville Austin, Texas
11. Tori Eads Winchester, Virginia
12. John Beasley Winchester, Virginia
13. Jeffrey Ward Columbus, Georgia
14. Wilds Ogie Columbus, Georgia
15. Sarah Jarrell Columbus, Georgia
16. M. Ramsey ----
17. Jessica Pfeiffer ----
18. Laura ----
19. Carter Staples Columbus, Georgia
20. Daniel Parker Columbus, Georgia
21. Harrison Wallace Columbus, Georgia
22. Danny P ----
23. Clare Flournoy Columbus, Georgia
24. Ashleigh Mark Columbus, Georgia
25. Ashley Maignan Columbus, Georgia
26. Keith Mealy Cincinnati, Ohio
27. Sanders Griffith ----