Take the numbers, 6, 2, 5, 3. Multiply, add or subtract and obtain the number 70.

I’m stumped.

62+5+3

(5 + 3)^2 + 6

does it say you can only use each number once?

And no division?

No division, each number once

62+5+3

I’d be cross if that’s the answer. That’s not maths, it’s lateral thinking. Bit harsh on an 8yo.

(You don’t even need the 6 if you do that – 35×2=70)

Oh and no squaring so can’t go with (5+3)^ +6

I can’t see how it’s possible using normal Countdown rules – either there is a mistake in the question or it’s using a sneaky trick like in mudshark’s answer

I’d be cross if that’s the answer. That’s not maths, it’s lateral thinking. Bit harsh on an 8yo.

(You don’t even need the 6 if you do that – 35×2=70)

I’m guessing it can’t be because on of those numbers is 62. 6 and 2 are digits, not numbers.

Are 8 year olds expected to know about exponents and brackets? Surely not! 😯

The answer is, Rachel Riley, it always is!

8)

my word

My money is on a mistake in the question – I can think of a few ways to change one of the numbers to make it possible (at which point it becomes an interesting question).

eg 6,4,5,3
6,2,4,3

I think this says more about the quality of his teacher than anything else. I imagine she simply scribbled down some numbers and assumed it was possible.

Should definitely ask Rachel.

I think this says more about the quality of his teacher than anything else. I imagine she simply scribbled down some numbers and assumed it was possible.

That’s how Countdown works – it’s not always possible.

either there is a mistake in the question or it’s using a sneaky trick

Or there’s some information you’ve not been given. Is it a follow-up to something they’ve done in class (like Mudshark’s trick)? Is it actually printed out?

wot miketually said – how close can each kid get ?

I have often asked kids that Q. No idea if it can be done so who is the closest or with the best ideas. Actually, the idea of just sticking two digits together to making a number would be the first move for many kids.

I suspect that the answer to this is that you are not restricted to using each of those numbers once and only once, e.g.

6 x 5 x 2 + 2 x 5

EDIT I would look carefully at how the question is phrased, which may confirm this. Also, the above example solution might not be correct if it requires that all the numbers are used, e.g. my solution above does not include the number 3, but you can easily come up with one that does.

That’s how Countdown works – it’s not always possible

Yeah, but “life’s not fair” isn’t usually a homework topic in maths.

2+2+2+2…+2 = 70?

My bet is the teacher made a simple arithmetic error or a typo.

3x2x(5+6)=66

Closest I can get under Countdown rules

(6 x 2) = 12
12 + 3 = 15
15 x 5 = 75

or ((6 x 2) +3) x 5 = 75

was my closest.
So zzjabzz was closer than me

66 was also the best I could do – here’s an alternative method:

((5×6)+3)x2=66

My son got to 66 also, (6+5) x 3 x 2.

Get him to give that in then – bonus marks if he correctly guesses what the question should have been 😉

That’s how Countdown works – it’s not always possible

Yeah, but “life’s not fair” isn’t usually a homework topic in maths.[/quote]

But “here’s a bunch of numbers, go and do some maths with your parents” is.