Jan. 5, 2005

Eight Cards

Eight cards are marked with numbers, and the cards are placed in two columns (as shown above). The numbers in the left and right columns add up to different totals.

Rearrange the cards, using as few moves as possible, so that each of the two columns gives the same total.

Courtesy of ThinkFun's PuzzlePlayground (see www.puzzles.com/PuzzlePlayground/WelcomeToPuzzlePlayground.htm).

MathGolf: Challenge 15

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Exchange the card marked 8 with the card marked 9. Invert the 9 card, turning 9 into 6. Each column now adds up to 18.

Other possible answers:

• The problem doesn't stipulate that all the cards must remain in two columns. Move the 1 card to the left so that it is in neither column, then exchange the 3 and 2 cards. Both columns now add up to 18.
• Turn over the 7 and 8 cards, so these positions are blank. Both columns add up to 12.
• Remove the 5 card and move the 2 card from the left to the right column. Both columns add up to 17.
• Remove the 2 card from the left column and the 3 card from the right column. Both columns add up to 17.

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