Grade 3 Math Puzzle 8: Eliminate using odd and even numbers

A free grade 3 math puzzle that teaches Eliminate using odd and even numbers. Try it first — the hint and the full solution open when you are ready.

Problem 8 · Eliminate using odd and even numbers · 5 points

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Amy, Ben, Cy, and Dee each take a different card numbered 1 through 6, leaving two cards behind; Amy and Ben's cards add to 7, while Cy and Dee's add to 8. Both leftover cards are even, and Amy's card is bigger than Cy's; what number is on Amy's card?

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If both leftover cards are even, what must have happened to the odd-numbered cards?
Only one even-numbered card was taken. What does that tell you about the two cards that add to 8?

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Answer: A — 6

All three odd cards—1, 3, and 5—were taken, along with just one even card. Cy and Dee's cards add to 8, so they must have the two odd cards 3 and 5; Amy and Ben then have 1 and 6 to make 7. Amy's card is bigger than Cy's, so Amy has 6. The tempting answer 4 can make both sums work, but it would leave 1 and 5 behind, and those cards are odd.

Grade 3 puzzle 8: Eliminate using odd and even numbers

Problem 8 · Eliminate using odd and even numbers · 5 points