Ages from product and sum
A census-taker is told three children's ages multiply to 36 and sum to the house number next door. He looks, then says he still can't determine the ages. The parent adds, "The oldest plays piano." What are the three ages? (write them as three numbers separated by commas, e.g. "a, b, c")
Show hints (2)+
- List every factor triple of 36 and its sum.
- Two triples share a sum - that ambiguity is the clue; 'the oldest' breaks the tie.
Answer
Reveal answer →Final answer
2, 2, 9
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