Why 8?

Choose any four consecutive even numbers. Multiply the two middle numbers together. Multiply the first and last numbers. Now subtract your second answer from the first. Try it with your own numbers. Why is the answer always 8?
Age
11 to 14
Challenge level
filled star empty star empty star
Exploring and noticing Working systematically Conjecturing and generalising Visualising and representing Reasoning, convincing and proving
Being curious Being resourceful Being resilient Being collaborative

Problem

Why 8?

Choose any four consecutive even numbers. (For example: 6, 8, 10, 12). Multiply the two middle numbers together. (e.g. 8 x 10 = 80) Multiply the first and last numbers. (e.g. 6 x 12 = 72) Now subtract your second answer from the first. (e.g. 80 - 72 = 8)

Try it with your own numbers. Why is the answer always 8?