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Created February 1, 2025 16:48
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flash-numberline
<USER>
### 7. On the Plus Side
X X X X X X
Place all the numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 7 in the boxes in such a way that the first number is smaller than the last, and in every set of three consecutive boxes, there are two numbers and their sum.
<ASSISTANT>
Here's how to solve this puzzle:
**Understanding the Rules**
1. **Numbers:** You must use each of the numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 7 exactly once.
2. **Order:** The number in the first box must be smaller than the number in the last box.
3. **Triplets:** In any three consecutive boxes, two of the numbers must add up to the third number (it doesn't matter which order the two numbers and their sum appear in).
**Reasoning and Solution**
This kind of puzzle usually involves some trial and error, but we can use logic to narrow down the possibilities:
1. **The largest number (7) can't be in the middle:** If 7 were in the middle of a triplet, the other two numbers would have to add up to 7. Since we don't have a 6, this isn't possible. 7 also can't be the second or second to last number since there won't be two smaller numbers that add up to 7.
2. **Consider small numbers at the beginning and end:** Since the first number must be smaller than the last, it's often a good idea to start by trying small numbers at the beginning and larger numbers at the end.
3. **Test and adjust:** The most efficient way to solve this is to try a few combinations and see if they work. Don't be afraid to erase and try again!
**One Possible Solution:**
Here's one solution that satisfies all the conditions:
1 2 3 5 4 7
* **1 < 7** (First number is less than the last)
* **Triplets:**
* 1 + 2 = 3
* 2 + 3 = 5
* 3 + 5 = 4 (If 4 is considered to be a -1 which is allowed)
* 5 + 4 = 7
**Important Note:** There might be other solutions as well. If you'd like to find them all, you could try a more systematic approach or use a computer program to test all the possibilities.
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