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# Take Three Numbers

## Take Three Numbers

Choose any two odd numbers and one even number, such as $3, 5$ and $2$.

How would you like to represent these numbers?

Try adding them together and draw/make the representation of their sum.

Would it work in exactly the same way if you used different numbers but still two odds and one even?

Can you use your example to prove what will happen every time you add two odd numbers and one even number?

See if you can explain this to someone else. Are they convinced by your argument?

Once you can convince someone else, see if you can find a way to show the argument on paper. You might draw something or take a photo of things you have used to prove that your result is always true from your example.

### Why do this problem?

This problem supports the development of the idea of generic proof with the children. This is a tricky concept to grasp but it draws attention to mathematical structures that are not often addressed at primary school level. Generic proof involves examining one example in detail to identify structures that will prove the general result. It is possible that only very few children in the class may grasp the idea but this is still a worthwhile activity which provides opportunities for children to explore odd and even numbers and the relationship between them. Proof is a fundamental idea in mathematics and in helping them to do this problem you will be encouraging them to behave like mathematicians.

By addressing the case of adding two odd numbers and an even number, a generic proof that adding two odd numbers and an even number always gives an even answer is developed based on the structure of odd and even numbers. The article entitled Take One Example will help you understand how this problem supports the development of the idea of generic proof with the children. Reading it will help you to see what is involved.

### Possible approach

Ask the children to choose two odd numbers and an even number and add them together. It is probably easiest if they choose ones that are easy to model and numbers that they are secure with.

Suggest that they make a model of their numbers using apparatus that is widely available in the classroom. Resist pointing them in specific directions unless they become stuck. If they are stuck then resources such as Multilink cubes, Numicon or squared paper will be helpful.

The idea is that they take a particular example and then see if they can see the general structure within that one example.

### Key questions

How would you like to represent these numbers?

Can you see anything in your example that would work in exactly the same way if you used three different numbers but still one even and two odds?

Can you say what will happen every time you add any two odd numbers and one even numbers?

Can you convince your friend that this is true?

### Possible extension

When adding three numbers there are a number of different combinations of odds and evens that are possible. Ask the children to explore what they are. Get them to identify the possible combinations and the features of those combinations that matter.

Does it matter whether the numbers are odd or even?

How many different cases can you find?

To work on the generic proofs for each case the children will need to consider them separately. Can you create a proof for each case using one example?

A possible extension would be to look at Three Neighbours.

Some other problems at higher stages that may also be worth exploring are Always a Multiple, Power Mad! or Seven Squares.

### Possible support

It may be helpful to return to Two Numbers Under the Microscope if the children are struggling with adding three numbers. This might help them to feel more comfortable with the rules they have proved in that problem and so build the foundations for this one.

The children may find it helpful to use representations of numbers such as these to support their thinking.