Like many good puzzles, this one requires inferring some of the details from the story. The census taker is visiting the home of the mathematician and would know the house number. Furthermore, when the mathematician refers to an oldest child, that suggests the the oldest child is a distinct age from the other children.
How to find out the ages of 3 children?
We start by considering the ways 3 numbers can multiply to get 72 = 2 × 2 × 2 × 3 × 3. There are 12 possibilities for the ages. If the house number was anything except 14, the census taker would be able to uniquely identify the sum with the ages of the 3 children.
How to solve the age of three children puzzle?
Another version of the puzzle gives the age product as thirty–six, which leads to a different set of ages for the children. The prime factors of 72 are 2, 2, 2, 3, 3; in other words, 2 × 2 × 2 × 3 × 3 = 72 This gives the following triplets of possible solutions;
Is the history of mathematics as old as humanity?
The history of mathematics is nearly as old as humanity itself. Since antiquity, mathematics has been fundamental to advances in science, engineering, and philosophy.
When do children start to think about math?
The preschool years, ages three and four, are a time when young children become immersed in extensive explorations of topics that interest them. Preschoolers are rapidly developing the mental abilities to think in mathematical and scientific ways in order to explore and understand their favorite topics.
What should a 6 year old know about math?
• Model multiplication and division by using objects to form equal groups as well as dividing amounts evenly. • Increasingly use mathematical language and link their mathematical ideas together. • Count backwards from ten. • Children from the age of six can recognise numbers from 1 to 100.
