These four numbers make 25












16












$begingroup$



The sum of the whole is 25

Large and small are different by 4

The first is 2 times the fourth

Third is equal to first




What are the four numbers?

This is really bugging me can not figure it out, thanks for all your help....



Source: This thing right here










share|improve this question











$endgroup$








  • 2




    $begingroup$
    Has a correct answer been given? If so, please don't forget to $color{green}{checkmark smalltext{Accept}}$ it :)
    $endgroup$
    – Rubio
    Apr 20 '18 at 22:31










  • $begingroup$
    Do you allow non-integer solutions too?
    $endgroup$
    – smci
    May 4 '18 at 7:58
















16












$begingroup$



The sum of the whole is 25

Large and small are different by 4

The first is 2 times the fourth

Third is equal to first




What are the four numbers?

This is really bugging me can not figure it out, thanks for all your help....



Source: This thing right here










share|improve this question











$endgroup$








  • 2




    $begingroup$
    Has a correct answer been given? If so, please don't forget to $color{green}{checkmark smalltext{Accept}}$ it :)
    $endgroup$
    – Rubio
    Apr 20 '18 at 22:31










  • $begingroup$
    Do you allow non-integer solutions too?
    $endgroup$
    – smci
    May 4 '18 at 7:58














16












16








16


1



$begingroup$



The sum of the whole is 25

Large and small are different by 4

The first is 2 times the fourth

Third is equal to first




What are the four numbers?

This is really bugging me can not figure it out, thanks for all your help....



Source: This thing right here










share|improve this question











$endgroup$





The sum of the whole is 25

Large and small are different by 4

The first is 2 times the fourth

Third is equal to first




What are the four numbers?

This is really bugging me can not figure it out, thanks for all your help....



Source: This thing right here







mathematics






share|improve this question















share|improve this question













share|improve this question




share|improve this question








edited Apr 19 '18 at 4:02









Rubio

29.9k566185




29.9k566185










asked Apr 19 '18 at 3:45









Rachel TappRachel Tapp

9313




9313








  • 2




    $begingroup$
    Has a correct answer been given? If so, please don't forget to $color{green}{checkmark smalltext{Accept}}$ it :)
    $endgroup$
    – Rubio
    Apr 20 '18 at 22:31










  • $begingroup$
    Do you allow non-integer solutions too?
    $endgroup$
    – smci
    May 4 '18 at 7:58














  • 2




    $begingroup$
    Has a correct answer been given? If so, please don't forget to $color{green}{checkmark smalltext{Accept}}$ it :)
    $endgroup$
    – Rubio
    Apr 20 '18 at 22:31










  • $begingroup$
    Do you allow non-integer solutions too?
    $endgroup$
    – smci
    May 4 '18 at 7:58








2




2




$begingroup$
Has a correct answer been given? If so, please don't forget to $color{green}{checkmark smalltext{Accept}}$ it :)
$endgroup$
– Rubio
Apr 20 '18 at 22:31




$begingroup$
Has a correct answer been given? If so, please don't forget to $color{green}{checkmark smalltext{Accept}}$ it :)
$endgroup$
– Rubio
Apr 20 '18 at 22:31












$begingroup$
Do you allow non-integer solutions too?
$endgroup$
– smci
May 4 '18 at 7:58




$begingroup$
Do you allow non-integer solutions too?
$endgroup$
– smci
May 4 '18 at 7:58










8 Answers
8






active

oldest

votes


















38












$begingroup$

could be:




8,5,8,4




fits all conditions:




$4*2 = 8 implies 8-4 = 4 implies 8+5+8+4 = 25 implies 1st=3rd=8$







share|improve this answer











$endgroup$









  • 6




    $begingroup$
    This is the only integer solution.
    $endgroup$
    – Rubio
    Apr 19 '18 at 3:53





















22












$begingroup$

by putting all conditions except "Large and small are different by 4" as letters below




$2a$,$b$,$2a$,$a$ where sum is $25$




should be these numbers. so we can conclude that



First condition:




$2a$ could be biggest while $b$ could be lowest, so $2a-b=4$




Second condition:




$b$ could be biggest, $b-a=4$ since $2a$ is greater than $a$.




and Last condition:




$2a$ could be biggest and $a$ could be lowest. $a=4$ then.




In other words,




$5a+b=25$ where $2a-b=4$ or $a=4$ or $b-a=4$




so using first condition;




$7a-4=25$ so $a$ is not integer.




or using second condition;




$6a+4=25$ so $a$ is not integer again.




and using the last condition




$a=4$, $2a=8$ and $b=5$




it seems last condition is the only solution we could have.






share|improve this answer











$endgroup$





















    8












    $begingroup$


    The first is 2 times the fourth

    Third is equal to first




    We define the numbers as 2a, b, 2a, a




    The sum of the whole is 25




    We have 2a + b + 2a + a = 25




    Large and small are different by 4




    We have max(a, b, 2a) - min(a, b, 2a) = 4





    Solving the 2 equations...



    We got 2 solutions.




    8, 5, 8, 4
    7, 7.5, 7, 3.5







    share|improve this answer









    $endgroup$





















      5












      $begingroup$


      To expand on a process to get to @Preet's answer.



      We know that the biggest number must be bigger than 6. Since $25 / 4 = 6.25$

      So the smallest number must be greater than 3.

      We know that some number is double the other. If the smallest was 5 than the smallest double is 10, $10 - 5 = 5 > 4$ and it can be easily shown that the difference gets bigger as the small number gets bigger.

      We now know that 4 must be the smallest, and the biggest is 8.

      Since 8 is double of 4 we know that 4 is the fourth, and 8 is the first, because no other doubles can fit between these numbers

      Since the third is the same as the first, we end up with 8, _, 8, 4

      We have shown that this is the only integer solution. Using the same logic it may be possible to show that there is only an integer solution.




      A proof of whether or not a non-integer solution is possible:




      We know that for any value of the smallest number greater than 4, it is impossible for one number to be doubled of another.

      We know that $2.25$ is a naive lower bound for the smallest as well. Since $25 / 4 = 6.25$ and $6.25 - 4 = 2.25$

      So the lowest number is between 2.25 and 4.

      2.25 is only possible if all 4 values were 6.25 (an immediate contradiction).

      If we refine the equation such that 3 are the same, and the 4th is 4 less:
      $4x - 4 = 25$
      $x = 29 / 4 = 7.25$

      So the largest number is greater than 7.25 so the lowest must be larger than 3.25

      The maximum largest number is just under 8 (limit) if one of the two remaining numbers is less than 4. than the other must be greater than 9 to reach 25 as a sum. 9 is impossible so this is a contradiction.

      So one of the middle numbers must be double the smallest. (For any number other than 4, the largest will not be double that of the smallest).

      Furthermore we know that one number must exist twice, and it cannot be the smallest. If the largest was copied, than the other must be double of the smallest. $x + 2x + z + z = 25$
      $3x + z + z = 25$
      $z = x + 4$
      $5x + 8 = 25$
      $5x = 17$
      $x = 3.4$
      So we found another solution.
      3.4, 6.8, 7.4, 7.4

      Finally the last case is if the 2 non-extrema are the same. They must also be double the smallest so we get:

      $x + 2x + 2x + x+4 = 25$
      $6x+4 = 25$
      $6x = 21$
      $x = 3.5$
      so another solution is
      7, 7.5, 7, 3.5







      share|improve this answer











      $endgroup$













      • $begingroup$
        seems that 3.4, 6.8, 7.4, 7.4 is not a valid answer as it cannot fulfill Third is equal to first and The first is 2 times the fourth at the same time
        $endgroup$
        – wilson
        Apr 19 '18 at 6:47












      • $begingroup$
        Oh that is a good point. I didn't realise there was a constraint that the one that is double the smallest must also have a pair.
        $endgroup$
        – wolfram42
        Apr 19 '18 at 14:03



















      1












      $begingroup$

      It is straightforward:




          1) $~ x + y + z + w = 25$

          2) $~ x - w = 4$

          3) $~ x = 2 times w$

          4) $~ x = z$




      Then




      From 2) and 3) we get: $x = w + 4 = 2 times w ~~ implies w = 4$




      From there you are done:




      $x = 2 times w = 2 times 4 = 8$

      $x = z$   therefore   $z=8$

      $x + y + z + w = 8 + y + 8 + 4 = 25 implies y = 5$







      share|improve this answer











      $endgroup$









      • 1




        $begingroup$
        Not a given x is max and w is min
        $endgroup$
        – paparazzo
        Apr 19 '18 at 20:06



















      0












      $begingroup$

      My solution:




      The numbers are $2a,b,2a,a$. The sum is $25$, so $5a+b=25$ means that $b$ is a multiple of $5$. A simple check using condition (2) means $bne0$ as $2a=4$ gives a total of $10$. $b=10$ fails because then $a=3$ and $10-3=7ne4$.

      So $b=5, a=4$ and the numbers are $4,5,8,8$.







      share|improve this answer









      $endgroup$





















        0












        $begingroup$


        the first number is 8
        the second number is 5
        the third number is 8
        and the fourth number is 4







        share|improve this answer










        New contributor




        Andrew Aponte-rivera is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
        Check out our Code of Conduct.






        $endgroup$





















          -1












          $begingroup$

          What are the four numbers?




          • The sum of the whole is 25:



          $a + b + c + d = 25$





          • Large and small are different by 4:



          $x - y = 4$ where $x > y$ and $x$ could be ($a$ or $b$) and y could be ($b$ or $d$)





          • The first is 2 times the fourth:



          $(a = 2d) ... 2d + b + c + d = 25 => 3d + b + c = 25$





          • Third is equal to first:



          $(c = a = 2d) ... 2d + b + 2d + d = 25 => 5d + b = 25$




          The step 2 is the key to solve the problem. Just replace a, b or d for x and y (excluding c since c = a)...
          You will find 2 "integer" solutions:



          Solution 1:




          when $x = a = 2d$, and $y = d$

          $x - y = 4 => 2d - d = 4 => d = 4$




          Replace that in the last equation:




          $5d + b = 25 => 5*4 + b = 25 => 20 + b = 25 => b = 5$

          Solution: $a = 8, b = 5, c = 8, d = 4$






          Solution 2: when x = b, and y = a = 2d



          b - a = 4 => b = 4 + a => same as => b = 4 + 2d


          Replace that in the last equation, to find d:



          5d + b = 25 => 5d + (4 + 2d) = 25 => 7d = 25 - 4 => 7d = 21 => d = 3


          And then in the case equation, to find b:



          b = 4 + 2*3 => b = 10



          • a = 2d = 2*3 = 6

          • b = 10

          • c = 2d = 6

          • d = 3


          I have to remove this 2nd solution since violates the rule #2. 10-3 = 7... in other words, y can't be a since a is not the smallest (a > d), Thanks @Rubio.



          All the possible cases are:




          * $a - b = 4$, it is possible $a > b$ (no-integer solution)

          * $a - d = 4$, we are sure $a > d$ (integer solution)

          * $b - d = 4$, it is possible $b > d$ (no-integer solution)




          Note these are NOT a valid cases:




          * $b - a = 4$, we are sure $a$ is NOT the smallest, $a > d$ (error for solution 2)

          * $d - b = 4$, we are sure $d$ is NOT the largest, $a > d$

          * $a - c = 4$, impossible $a = c$
          * $d - a = 4$, impossible $a > d$







          share|improve this answer











          $endgroup$













          • $begingroup$
            6,10,6,3 violates Line 2 constraint (which would better have been said as largest and smallest, but the intent is pretty clear). And how is any of your answer substantively different from the several that preceded it (other than half of it being wrong)?
            $endgroup$
            – Rubio
            Apr 19 '18 at 23:01








          • 1




            $begingroup$
            Thanks for all the help, made my day better....
            $endgroup$
            – Rachel Tapp
            Apr 20 '18 at 20:12











          Your Answer





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          8 Answers
          8






          active

          oldest

          votes








          8 Answers
          8






          active

          oldest

          votes









          active

          oldest

          votes






          active

          oldest

          votes









          38












          $begingroup$

          could be:




          8,5,8,4




          fits all conditions:




          $4*2 = 8 implies 8-4 = 4 implies 8+5+8+4 = 25 implies 1st=3rd=8$







          share|improve this answer











          $endgroup$









          • 6




            $begingroup$
            This is the only integer solution.
            $endgroup$
            – Rubio
            Apr 19 '18 at 3:53


















          38












          $begingroup$

          could be:




          8,5,8,4




          fits all conditions:




          $4*2 = 8 implies 8-4 = 4 implies 8+5+8+4 = 25 implies 1st=3rd=8$







          share|improve this answer











          $endgroup$









          • 6




            $begingroup$
            This is the only integer solution.
            $endgroup$
            – Rubio
            Apr 19 '18 at 3:53
















          38












          38








          38





          $begingroup$

          could be:




          8,5,8,4




          fits all conditions:




          $4*2 = 8 implies 8-4 = 4 implies 8+5+8+4 = 25 implies 1st=3rd=8$







          share|improve this answer











          $endgroup$



          could be:




          8,5,8,4




          fits all conditions:




          $4*2 = 8 implies 8-4 = 4 implies 8+5+8+4 = 25 implies 1st=3rd=8$








          share|improve this answer














          share|improve this answer



          share|improve this answer








          edited Apr 19 '18 at 23:30









          kraby15

          2,3963930




          2,3963930










          answered Apr 19 '18 at 3:50









          PreetPreet

          2,1322731




          2,1322731








          • 6




            $begingroup$
            This is the only integer solution.
            $endgroup$
            – Rubio
            Apr 19 '18 at 3:53
















          • 6




            $begingroup$
            This is the only integer solution.
            $endgroup$
            – Rubio
            Apr 19 '18 at 3:53










          6




          6




          $begingroup$
          This is the only integer solution.
          $endgroup$
          – Rubio
          Apr 19 '18 at 3:53






          $begingroup$
          This is the only integer solution.
          $endgroup$
          – Rubio
          Apr 19 '18 at 3:53













          22












          $begingroup$

          by putting all conditions except "Large and small are different by 4" as letters below




          $2a$,$b$,$2a$,$a$ where sum is $25$




          should be these numbers. so we can conclude that



          First condition:




          $2a$ could be biggest while $b$ could be lowest, so $2a-b=4$




          Second condition:




          $b$ could be biggest, $b-a=4$ since $2a$ is greater than $a$.




          and Last condition:




          $2a$ could be biggest and $a$ could be lowest. $a=4$ then.




          In other words,




          $5a+b=25$ where $2a-b=4$ or $a=4$ or $b-a=4$




          so using first condition;




          $7a-4=25$ so $a$ is not integer.




          or using second condition;




          $6a+4=25$ so $a$ is not integer again.




          and using the last condition




          $a=4$, $2a=8$ and $b=5$




          it seems last condition is the only solution we could have.






          share|improve this answer











          $endgroup$


















            22












            $begingroup$

            by putting all conditions except "Large and small are different by 4" as letters below




            $2a$,$b$,$2a$,$a$ where sum is $25$




            should be these numbers. so we can conclude that



            First condition:




            $2a$ could be biggest while $b$ could be lowest, so $2a-b=4$




            Second condition:




            $b$ could be biggest, $b-a=4$ since $2a$ is greater than $a$.




            and Last condition:




            $2a$ could be biggest and $a$ could be lowest. $a=4$ then.




            In other words,




            $5a+b=25$ where $2a-b=4$ or $a=4$ or $b-a=4$




            so using first condition;




            $7a-4=25$ so $a$ is not integer.




            or using second condition;




            $6a+4=25$ so $a$ is not integer again.




            and using the last condition




            $a=4$, $2a=8$ and $b=5$




            it seems last condition is the only solution we could have.






            share|improve this answer











            $endgroup$
















              22












              22








              22





              $begingroup$

              by putting all conditions except "Large and small are different by 4" as letters below




              $2a$,$b$,$2a$,$a$ where sum is $25$




              should be these numbers. so we can conclude that



              First condition:




              $2a$ could be biggest while $b$ could be lowest, so $2a-b=4$




              Second condition:




              $b$ could be biggest, $b-a=4$ since $2a$ is greater than $a$.




              and Last condition:




              $2a$ could be biggest and $a$ could be lowest. $a=4$ then.




              In other words,




              $5a+b=25$ where $2a-b=4$ or $a=4$ or $b-a=4$




              so using first condition;




              $7a-4=25$ so $a$ is not integer.




              or using second condition;




              $6a+4=25$ so $a$ is not integer again.




              and using the last condition




              $a=4$, $2a=8$ and $b=5$




              it seems last condition is the only solution we could have.






              share|improve this answer











              $endgroup$



              by putting all conditions except "Large and small are different by 4" as letters below




              $2a$,$b$,$2a$,$a$ where sum is $25$




              should be these numbers. so we can conclude that



              First condition:




              $2a$ could be biggest while $b$ could be lowest, so $2a-b=4$




              Second condition:




              $b$ could be biggest, $b-a=4$ since $2a$ is greater than $a$.




              and Last condition:




              $2a$ could be biggest and $a$ could be lowest. $a=4$ then.




              In other words,




              $5a+b=25$ where $2a-b=4$ or $a=4$ or $b-a=4$




              so using first condition;




              $7a-4=25$ so $a$ is not integer.




              or using second condition;




              $6a+4=25$ so $a$ is not integer again.




              and using the last condition




              $a=4$, $2a=8$ and $b=5$




              it seems last condition is the only solution we could have.







              share|improve this answer














              share|improve this answer



              share|improve this answer








              edited Apr 19 '18 at 6:49

























              answered Apr 19 '18 at 5:40









              OrayOray

              16k436156




              16k436156























                  8












                  $begingroup$


                  The first is 2 times the fourth

                  Third is equal to first




                  We define the numbers as 2a, b, 2a, a




                  The sum of the whole is 25




                  We have 2a + b + 2a + a = 25




                  Large and small are different by 4




                  We have max(a, b, 2a) - min(a, b, 2a) = 4





                  Solving the 2 equations...



                  We got 2 solutions.




                  8, 5, 8, 4
                  7, 7.5, 7, 3.5







                  share|improve this answer









                  $endgroup$


















                    8












                    $begingroup$


                    The first is 2 times the fourth

                    Third is equal to first




                    We define the numbers as 2a, b, 2a, a




                    The sum of the whole is 25




                    We have 2a + b + 2a + a = 25




                    Large and small are different by 4




                    We have max(a, b, 2a) - min(a, b, 2a) = 4





                    Solving the 2 equations...



                    We got 2 solutions.




                    8, 5, 8, 4
                    7, 7.5, 7, 3.5







                    share|improve this answer









                    $endgroup$
















                      8












                      8








                      8





                      $begingroup$


                      The first is 2 times the fourth

                      Third is equal to first




                      We define the numbers as 2a, b, 2a, a




                      The sum of the whole is 25




                      We have 2a + b + 2a + a = 25




                      Large and small are different by 4




                      We have max(a, b, 2a) - min(a, b, 2a) = 4





                      Solving the 2 equations...



                      We got 2 solutions.




                      8, 5, 8, 4
                      7, 7.5, 7, 3.5







                      share|improve this answer









                      $endgroup$




                      The first is 2 times the fourth

                      Third is equal to first




                      We define the numbers as 2a, b, 2a, a




                      The sum of the whole is 25




                      We have 2a + b + 2a + a = 25




                      Large and small are different by 4




                      We have max(a, b, 2a) - min(a, b, 2a) = 4





                      Solving the 2 equations...



                      We got 2 solutions.




                      8, 5, 8, 4
                      7, 7.5, 7, 3.5








                      share|improve this answer












                      share|improve this answer



                      share|improve this answer










                      answered Apr 19 '18 at 7:05









                      wilsonwilson

                      1914




                      1914























                          5












                          $begingroup$


                          To expand on a process to get to @Preet's answer.



                          We know that the biggest number must be bigger than 6. Since $25 / 4 = 6.25$

                          So the smallest number must be greater than 3.

                          We know that some number is double the other. If the smallest was 5 than the smallest double is 10, $10 - 5 = 5 > 4$ and it can be easily shown that the difference gets bigger as the small number gets bigger.

                          We now know that 4 must be the smallest, and the biggest is 8.

                          Since 8 is double of 4 we know that 4 is the fourth, and 8 is the first, because no other doubles can fit between these numbers

                          Since the third is the same as the first, we end up with 8, _, 8, 4

                          We have shown that this is the only integer solution. Using the same logic it may be possible to show that there is only an integer solution.




                          A proof of whether or not a non-integer solution is possible:




                          We know that for any value of the smallest number greater than 4, it is impossible for one number to be doubled of another.

                          We know that $2.25$ is a naive lower bound for the smallest as well. Since $25 / 4 = 6.25$ and $6.25 - 4 = 2.25$

                          So the lowest number is between 2.25 and 4.

                          2.25 is only possible if all 4 values were 6.25 (an immediate contradiction).

                          If we refine the equation such that 3 are the same, and the 4th is 4 less:
                          $4x - 4 = 25$
                          $x = 29 / 4 = 7.25$

                          So the largest number is greater than 7.25 so the lowest must be larger than 3.25

                          The maximum largest number is just under 8 (limit) if one of the two remaining numbers is less than 4. than the other must be greater than 9 to reach 25 as a sum. 9 is impossible so this is a contradiction.

                          So one of the middle numbers must be double the smallest. (For any number other than 4, the largest will not be double that of the smallest).

                          Furthermore we know that one number must exist twice, and it cannot be the smallest. If the largest was copied, than the other must be double of the smallest. $x + 2x + z + z = 25$
                          $3x + z + z = 25$
                          $z = x + 4$
                          $5x + 8 = 25$
                          $5x = 17$
                          $x = 3.4$
                          So we found another solution.
                          3.4, 6.8, 7.4, 7.4

                          Finally the last case is if the 2 non-extrema are the same. They must also be double the smallest so we get:

                          $x + 2x + 2x + x+4 = 25$
                          $6x+4 = 25$
                          $6x = 21$
                          $x = 3.5$
                          so another solution is
                          7, 7.5, 7, 3.5







                          share|improve this answer











                          $endgroup$













                          • $begingroup$
                            seems that 3.4, 6.8, 7.4, 7.4 is not a valid answer as it cannot fulfill Third is equal to first and The first is 2 times the fourth at the same time
                            $endgroup$
                            – wilson
                            Apr 19 '18 at 6:47












                          • $begingroup$
                            Oh that is a good point. I didn't realise there was a constraint that the one that is double the smallest must also have a pair.
                            $endgroup$
                            – wolfram42
                            Apr 19 '18 at 14:03
















                          5












                          $begingroup$


                          To expand on a process to get to @Preet's answer.



                          We know that the biggest number must be bigger than 6. Since $25 / 4 = 6.25$

                          So the smallest number must be greater than 3.

                          We know that some number is double the other. If the smallest was 5 than the smallest double is 10, $10 - 5 = 5 > 4$ and it can be easily shown that the difference gets bigger as the small number gets bigger.

                          We now know that 4 must be the smallest, and the biggest is 8.

                          Since 8 is double of 4 we know that 4 is the fourth, and 8 is the first, because no other doubles can fit between these numbers

                          Since the third is the same as the first, we end up with 8, _, 8, 4

                          We have shown that this is the only integer solution. Using the same logic it may be possible to show that there is only an integer solution.




                          A proof of whether or not a non-integer solution is possible:




                          We know that for any value of the smallest number greater than 4, it is impossible for one number to be doubled of another.

                          We know that $2.25$ is a naive lower bound for the smallest as well. Since $25 / 4 = 6.25$ and $6.25 - 4 = 2.25$

                          So the lowest number is between 2.25 and 4.

                          2.25 is only possible if all 4 values were 6.25 (an immediate contradiction).

                          If we refine the equation such that 3 are the same, and the 4th is 4 less:
                          $4x - 4 = 25$
                          $x = 29 / 4 = 7.25$

                          So the largest number is greater than 7.25 so the lowest must be larger than 3.25

                          The maximum largest number is just under 8 (limit) if one of the two remaining numbers is less than 4. than the other must be greater than 9 to reach 25 as a sum. 9 is impossible so this is a contradiction.

                          So one of the middle numbers must be double the smallest. (For any number other than 4, the largest will not be double that of the smallest).

                          Furthermore we know that one number must exist twice, and it cannot be the smallest. If the largest was copied, than the other must be double of the smallest. $x + 2x + z + z = 25$
                          $3x + z + z = 25$
                          $z = x + 4$
                          $5x + 8 = 25$
                          $5x = 17$
                          $x = 3.4$
                          So we found another solution.
                          3.4, 6.8, 7.4, 7.4

                          Finally the last case is if the 2 non-extrema are the same. They must also be double the smallest so we get:

                          $x + 2x + 2x + x+4 = 25$
                          $6x+4 = 25$
                          $6x = 21$
                          $x = 3.5$
                          so another solution is
                          7, 7.5, 7, 3.5







                          share|improve this answer











                          $endgroup$













                          • $begingroup$
                            seems that 3.4, 6.8, 7.4, 7.4 is not a valid answer as it cannot fulfill Third is equal to first and The first is 2 times the fourth at the same time
                            $endgroup$
                            – wilson
                            Apr 19 '18 at 6:47












                          • $begingroup$
                            Oh that is a good point. I didn't realise there was a constraint that the one that is double the smallest must also have a pair.
                            $endgroup$
                            – wolfram42
                            Apr 19 '18 at 14:03














                          5












                          5








                          5





                          $begingroup$


                          To expand on a process to get to @Preet's answer.



                          We know that the biggest number must be bigger than 6. Since $25 / 4 = 6.25$

                          So the smallest number must be greater than 3.

                          We know that some number is double the other. If the smallest was 5 than the smallest double is 10, $10 - 5 = 5 > 4$ and it can be easily shown that the difference gets bigger as the small number gets bigger.

                          We now know that 4 must be the smallest, and the biggest is 8.

                          Since 8 is double of 4 we know that 4 is the fourth, and 8 is the first, because no other doubles can fit between these numbers

                          Since the third is the same as the first, we end up with 8, _, 8, 4

                          We have shown that this is the only integer solution. Using the same logic it may be possible to show that there is only an integer solution.




                          A proof of whether or not a non-integer solution is possible:




                          We know that for any value of the smallest number greater than 4, it is impossible for one number to be doubled of another.

                          We know that $2.25$ is a naive lower bound for the smallest as well. Since $25 / 4 = 6.25$ and $6.25 - 4 = 2.25$

                          So the lowest number is between 2.25 and 4.

                          2.25 is only possible if all 4 values were 6.25 (an immediate contradiction).

                          If we refine the equation such that 3 are the same, and the 4th is 4 less:
                          $4x - 4 = 25$
                          $x = 29 / 4 = 7.25$

                          So the largest number is greater than 7.25 so the lowest must be larger than 3.25

                          The maximum largest number is just under 8 (limit) if one of the two remaining numbers is less than 4. than the other must be greater than 9 to reach 25 as a sum. 9 is impossible so this is a contradiction.

                          So one of the middle numbers must be double the smallest. (For any number other than 4, the largest will not be double that of the smallest).

                          Furthermore we know that one number must exist twice, and it cannot be the smallest. If the largest was copied, than the other must be double of the smallest. $x + 2x + z + z = 25$
                          $3x + z + z = 25$
                          $z = x + 4$
                          $5x + 8 = 25$
                          $5x = 17$
                          $x = 3.4$
                          So we found another solution.
                          3.4, 6.8, 7.4, 7.4

                          Finally the last case is if the 2 non-extrema are the same. They must also be double the smallest so we get:

                          $x + 2x + 2x + x+4 = 25$
                          $6x+4 = 25$
                          $6x = 21$
                          $x = 3.5$
                          so another solution is
                          7, 7.5, 7, 3.5







                          share|improve this answer











                          $endgroup$




                          To expand on a process to get to @Preet's answer.



                          We know that the biggest number must be bigger than 6. Since $25 / 4 = 6.25$

                          So the smallest number must be greater than 3.

                          We know that some number is double the other. If the smallest was 5 than the smallest double is 10, $10 - 5 = 5 > 4$ and it can be easily shown that the difference gets bigger as the small number gets bigger.

                          We now know that 4 must be the smallest, and the biggest is 8.

                          Since 8 is double of 4 we know that 4 is the fourth, and 8 is the first, because no other doubles can fit between these numbers

                          Since the third is the same as the first, we end up with 8, _, 8, 4

                          We have shown that this is the only integer solution. Using the same logic it may be possible to show that there is only an integer solution.




                          A proof of whether or not a non-integer solution is possible:




                          We know that for any value of the smallest number greater than 4, it is impossible for one number to be doubled of another.

                          We know that $2.25$ is a naive lower bound for the smallest as well. Since $25 / 4 = 6.25$ and $6.25 - 4 = 2.25$

                          So the lowest number is between 2.25 and 4.

                          2.25 is only possible if all 4 values were 6.25 (an immediate contradiction).

                          If we refine the equation such that 3 are the same, and the 4th is 4 less:
                          $4x - 4 = 25$
                          $x = 29 / 4 = 7.25$

                          So the largest number is greater than 7.25 so the lowest must be larger than 3.25

                          The maximum largest number is just under 8 (limit) if one of the two remaining numbers is less than 4. than the other must be greater than 9 to reach 25 as a sum. 9 is impossible so this is a contradiction.

                          So one of the middle numbers must be double the smallest. (For any number other than 4, the largest will not be double that of the smallest).

                          Furthermore we know that one number must exist twice, and it cannot be the smallest. If the largest was copied, than the other must be double of the smallest. $x + 2x + z + z = 25$
                          $3x + z + z = 25$
                          $z = x + 4$
                          $5x + 8 = 25$
                          $5x = 17$
                          $x = 3.4$
                          So we found another solution.
                          3.4, 6.8, 7.4, 7.4

                          Finally the last case is if the 2 non-extrema are the same. They must also be double the smallest so we get:

                          $x + 2x + 2x + x+4 = 25$
                          $6x+4 = 25$
                          $6x = 21$
                          $x = 3.5$
                          so another solution is
                          7, 7.5, 7, 3.5








                          share|improve this answer














                          share|improve this answer



                          share|improve this answer








                          edited Apr 19 '18 at 23:12

























                          answered Apr 19 '18 at 4:36









                          wolfram42wolfram42

                          2,215119




                          2,215119












                          • $begingroup$
                            seems that 3.4, 6.8, 7.4, 7.4 is not a valid answer as it cannot fulfill Third is equal to first and The first is 2 times the fourth at the same time
                            $endgroup$
                            – wilson
                            Apr 19 '18 at 6:47












                          • $begingroup$
                            Oh that is a good point. I didn't realise there was a constraint that the one that is double the smallest must also have a pair.
                            $endgroup$
                            – wolfram42
                            Apr 19 '18 at 14:03


















                          • $begingroup$
                            seems that 3.4, 6.8, 7.4, 7.4 is not a valid answer as it cannot fulfill Third is equal to first and The first is 2 times the fourth at the same time
                            $endgroup$
                            – wilson
                            Apr 19 '18 at 6:47












                          • $begingroup$
                            Oh that is a good point. I didn't realise there was a constraint that the one that is double the smallest must also have a pair.
                            $endgroup$
                            – wolfram42
                            Apr 19 '18 at 14:03
















                          $begingroup$
                          seems that 3.4, 6.8, 7.4, 7.4 is not a valid answer as it cannot fulfill Third is equal to first and The first is 2 times the fourth at the same time
                          $endgroup$
                          – wilson
                          Apr 19 '18 at 6:47






                          $begingroup$
                          seems that 3.4, 6.8, 7.4, 7.4 is not a valid answer as it cannot fulfill Third is equal to first and The first is 2 times the fourth at the same time
                          $endgroup$
                          – wilson
                          Apr 19 '18 at 6:47














                          $begingroup$
                          Oh that is a good point. I didn't realise there was a constraint that the one that is double the smallest must also have a pair.
                          $endgroup$
                          – wolfram42
                          Apr 19 '18 at 14:03




                          $begingroup$
                          Oh that is a good point. I didn't realise there was a constraint that the one that is double the smallest must also have a pair.
                          $endgroup$
                          – wolfram42
                          Apr 19 '18 at 14:03











                          1












                          $begingroup$

                          It is straightforward:




                              1) $~ x + y + z + w = 25$

                              2) $~ x - w = 4$

                              3) $~ x = 2 times w$

                              4) $~ x = z$




                          Then




                          From 2) and 3) we get: $x = w + 4 = 2 times w ~~ implies w = 4$




                          From there you are done:




                          $x = 2 times w = 2 times 4 = 8$

                          $x = z$   therefore   $z=8$

                          $x + y + z + w = 8 + y + 8 + 4 = 25 implies y = 5$







                          share|improve this answer











                          $endgroup$









                          • 1




                            $begingroup$
                            Not a given x is max and w is min
                            $endgroup$
                            – paparazzo
                            Apr 19 '18 at 20:06
















                          1












                          $begingroup$

                          It is straightforward:




                              1) $~ x + y + z + w = 25$

                              2) $~ x - w = 4$

                              3) $~ x = 2 times w$

                              4) $~ x = z$




                          Then




                          From 2) and 3) we get: $x = w + 4 = 2 times w ~~ implies w = 4$




                          From there you are done:




                          $x = 2 times w = 2 times 4 = 8$

                          $x = z$   therefore   $z=8$

                          $x + y + z + w = 8 + y + 8 + 4 = 25 implies y = 5$







                          share|improve this answer











                          $endgroup$









                          • 1




                            $begingroup$
                            Not a given x is max and w is min
                            $endgroup$
                            – paparazzo
                            Apr 19 '18 at 20:06














                          1












                          1








                          1





                          $begingroup$

                          It is straightforward:




                              1) $~ x + y + z + w = 25$

                              2) $~ x - w = 4$

                              3) $~ x = 2 times w$

                              4) $~ x = z$




                          Then




                          From 2) and 3) we get: $x = w + 4 = 2 times w ~~ implies w = 4$




                          From there you are done:




                          $x = 2 times w = 2 times 4 = 8$

                          $x = z$   therefore   $z=8$

                          $x + y + z + w = 8 + y + 8 + 4 = 25 implies y = 5$







                          share|improve this answer











                          $endgroup$



                          It is straightforward:




                              1) $~ x + y + z + w = 25$

                              2) $~ x - w = 4$

                              3) $~ x = 2 times w$

                              4) $~ x = z$




                          Then




                          From 2) and 3) we get: $x = w + 4 = 2 times w ~~ implies w = 4$




                          From there you are done:




                          $x = 2 times w = 2 times 4 = 8$

                          $x = z$   therefore   $z=8$

                          $x + y + z + w = 8 + y + 8 + 4 = 25 implies y = 5$








                          share|improve this answer














                          share|improve this answer



                          share|improve this answer








                          edited Apr 19 '18 at 12:41









                          Rubio

                          29.9k566185




                          29.9k566185










                          answered Apr 19 '18 at 12:26









                          useruser

                          1674




                          1674








                          • 1




                            $begingroup$
                            Not a given x is max and w is min
                            $endgroup$
                            – paparazzo
                            Apr 19 '18 at 20:06














                          • 1




                            $begingroup$
                            Not a given x is max and w is min
                            $endgroup$
                            – paparazzo
                            Apr 19 '18 at 20:06








                          1




                          1




                          $begingroup$
                          Not a given x is max and w is min
                          $endgroup$
                          – paparazzo
                          Apr 19 '18 at 20:06




                          $begingroup$
                          Not a given x is max and w is min
                          $endgroup$
                          – paparazzo
                          Apr 19 '18 at 20:06











                          0












                          $begingroup$

                          My solution:




                          The numbers are $2a,b,2a,a$. The sum is $25$, so $5a+b=25$ means that $b$ is a multiple of $5$. A simple check using condition (2) means $bne0$ as $2a=4$ gives a total of $10$. $b=10$ fails because then $a=3$ and $10-3=7ne4$.

                          So $b=5, a=4$ and the numbers are $4,5,8,8$.







                          share|improve this answer









                          $endgroup$


















                            0












                            $begingroup$

                            My solution:




                            The numbers are $2a,b,2a,a$. The sum is $25$, so $5a+b=25$ means that $b$ is a multiple of $5$. A simple check using condition (2) means $bne0$ as $2a=4$ gives a total of $10$. $b=10$ fails because then $a=3$ and $10-3=7ne4$.

                            So $b=5, a=4$ and the numbers are $4,5,8,8$.







                            share|improve this answer









                            $endgroup$
















                              0












                              0








                              0





                              $begingroup$

                              My solution:




                              The numbers are $2a,b,2a,a$. The sum is $25$, so $5a+b=25$ means that $b$ is a multiple of $5$. A simple check using condition (2) means $bne0$ as $2a=4$ gives a total of $10$. $b=10$ fails because then $a=3$ and $10-3=7ne4$.

                              So $b=5, a=4$ and the numbers are $4,5,8,8$.







                              share|improve this answer









                              $endgroup$



                              My solution:




                              The numbers are $2a,b,2a,a$. The sum is $25$, so $5a+b=25$ means that $b$ is a multiple of $5$. A simple check using condition (2) means $bne0$ as $2a=4$ gives a total of $10$. $b=10$ fails because then $a=3$ and $10-3=7ne4$.

                              So $b=5, a=4$ and the numbers are $4,5,8,8$.








                              share|improve this answer












                              share|improve this answer



                              share|improve this answer










                              answered Apr 20 '18 at 11:05









                              JonMark PerryJonMark Perry

                              20.2k64098




                              20.2k64098























                                  0












                                  $begingroup$


                                  the first number is 8
                                  the second number is 5
                                  the third number is 8
                                  and the fourth number is 4







                                  share|improve this answer










                                  New contributor




                                  Andrew Aponte-rivera is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                                  Check out our Code of Conduct.






                                  $endgroup$


















                                    0












                                    $begingroup$


                                    the first number is 8
                                    the second number is 5
                                    the third number is 8
                                    and the fourth number is 4







                                    share|improve this answer










                                    New contributor




                                    Andrew Aponte-rivera is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                                    Check out our Code of Conduct.






                                    $endgroup$
















                                      0












                                      0








                                      0





                                      $begingroup$


                                      the first number is 8
                                      the second number is 5
                                      the third number is 8
                                      and the fourth number is 4







                                      share|improve this answer










                                      New contributor




                                      Andrew Aponte-rivera is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                                      Check out our Code of Conduct.






                                      $endgroup$




                                      the first number is 8
                                      the second number is 5
                                      the third number is 8
                                      and the fourth number is 4








                                      share|improve this answer










                                      New contributor




                                      Andrew Aponte-rivera is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                                      Check out our Code of Conduct.









                                      share|improve this answer



                                      share|improve this answer








                                      edited 55 mins ago









                                      Omega Krypton

                                      4,8052444




                                      4,8052444






                                      New contributor




                                      Andrew Aponte-rivera is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                                      Check out our Code of Conduct.









                                      answered 1 hour ago









                                      Andrew Aponte-riveraAndrew Aponte-rivera

                                      36




                                      36




                                      New contributor




                                      Andrew Aponte-rivera is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                                      Check out our Code of Conduct.





                                      New contributor





                                      Andrew Aponte-rivera is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                                      Check out our Code of Conduct.






                                      Andrew Aponte-rivera is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                                      Check out our Code of Conduct.























                                          -1












                                          $begingroup$

                                          What are the four numbers?




                                          • The sum of the whole is 25:



                                          $a + b + c + d = 25$





                                          • Large and small are different by 4:



                                          $x - y = 4$ where $x > y$ and $x$ could be ($a$ or $b$) and y could be ($b$ or $d$)





                                          • The first is 2 times the fourth:



                                          $(a = 2d) ... 2d + b + c + d = 25 => 3d + b + c = 25$





                                          • Third is equal to first:



                                          $(c = a = 2d) ... 2d + b + 2d + d = 25 => 5d + b = 25$




                                          The step 2 is the key to solve the problem. Just replace a, b or d for x and y (excluding c since c = a)...
                                          You will find 2 "integer" solutions:



                                          Solution 1:




                                          when $x = a = 2d$, and $y = d$

                                          $x - y = 4 => 2d - d = 4 => d = 4$




                                          Replace that in the last equation:




                                          $5d + b = 25 => 5*4 + b = 25 => 20 + b = 25 => b = 5$

                                          Solution: $a = 8, b = 5, c = 8, d = 4$






                                          Solution 2: when x = b, and y = a = 2d



                                          b - a = 4 => b = 4 + a => same as => b = 4 + 2d


                                          Replace that in the last equation, to find d:



                                          5d + b = 25 => 5d + (4 + 2d) = 25 => 7d = 25 - 4 => 7d = 21 => d = 3


                                          And then in the case equation, to find b:



                                          b = 4 + 2*3 => b = 10



                                          • a = 2d = 2*3 = 6

                                          • b = 10

                                          • c = 2d = 6

                                          • d = 3


                                          I have to remove this 2nd solution since violates the rule #2. 10-3 = 7... in other words, y can't be a since a is not the smallest (a > d), Thanks @Rubio.



                                          All the possible cases are:




                                          * $a - b = 4$, it is possible $a > b$ (no-integer solution)

                                          * $a - d = 4$, we are sure $a > d$ (integer solution)

                                          * $b - d = 4$, it is possible $b > d$ (no-integer solution)




                                          Note these are NOT a valid cases:




                                          * $b - a = 4$, we are sure $a$ is NOT the smallest, $a > d$ (error for solution 2)

                                          * $d - b = 4$, we are sure $d$ is NOT the largest, $a > d$

                                          * $a - c = 4$, impossible $a = c$
                                          * $d - a = 4$, impossible $a > d$







                                          share|improve this answer











                                          $endgroup$













                                          • $begingroup$
                                            6,10,6,3 violates Line 2 constraint (which would better have been said as largest and smallest, but the intent is pretty clear). And how is any of your answer substantively different from the several that preceded it (other than half of it being wrong)?
                                            $endgroup$
                                            – Rubio
                                            Apr 19 '18 at 23:01








                                          • 1




                                            $begingroup$
                                            Thanks for all the help, made my day better....
                                            $endgroup$
                                            – Rachel Tapp
                                            Apr 20 '18 at 20:12
















                                          -1












                                          $begingroup$

                                          What are the four numbers?




                                          • The sum of the whole is 25:



                                          $a + b + c + d = 25$





                                          • Large and small are different by 4:



                                          $x - y = 4$ where $x > y$ and $x$ could be ($a$ or $b$) and y could be ($b$ or $d$)





                                          • The first is 2 times the fourth:



                                          $(a = 2d) ... 2d + b + c + d = 25 => 3d + b + c = 25$





                                          • Third is equal to first:



                                          $(c = a = 2d) ... 2d + b + 2d + d = 25 => 5d + b = 25$




                                          The step 2 is the key to solve the problem. Just replace a, b or d for x and y (excluding c since c = a)...
                                          You will find 2 "integer" solutions:



                                          Solution 1:




                                          when $x = a = 2d$, and $y = d$

                                          $x - y = 4 => 2d - d = 4 => d = 4$




                                          Replace that in the last equation:




                                          $5d + b = 25 => 5*4 + b = 25 => 20 + b = 25 => b = 5$

                                          Solution: $a = 8, b = 5, c = 8, d = 4$






                                          Solution 2: when x = b, and y = a = 2d



                                          b - a = 4 => b = 4 + a => same as => b = 4 + 2d


                                          Replace that in the last equation, to find d:



                                          5d + b = 25 => 5d + (4 + 2d) = 25 => 7d = 25 - 4 => 7d = 21 => d = 3


                                          And then in the case equation, to find b:



                                          b = 4 + 2*3 => b = 10



                                          • a = 2d = 2*3 = 6

                                          • b = 10

                                          • c = 2d = 6

                                          • d = 3


                                          I have to remove this 2nd solution since violates the rule #2. 10-3 = 7... in other words, y can't be a since a is not the smallest (a > d), Thanks @Rubio.



                                          All the possible cases are:




                                          * $a - b = 4$, it is possible $a > b$ (no-integer solution)

                                          * $a - d = 4$, we are sure $a > d$ (integer solution)

                                          * $b - d = 4$, it is possible $b > d$ (no-integer solution)




                                          Note these are NOT a valid cases:




                                          * $b - a = 4$, we are sure $a$ is NOT the smallest, $a > d$ (error for solution 2)

                                          * $d - b = 4$, we are sure $d$ is NOT the largest, $a > d$

                                          * $a - c = 4$, impossible $a = c$
                                          * $d - a = 4$, impossible $a > d$







                                          share|improve this answer











                                          $endgroup$













                                          • $begingroup$
                                            6,10,6,3 violates Line 2 constraint (which would better have been said as largest and smallest, but the intent is pretty clear). And how is any of your answer substantively different from the several that preceded it (other than half of it being wrong)?
                                            $endgroup$
                                            – Rubio
                                            Apr 19 '18 at 23:01








                                          • 1




                                            $begingroup$
                                            Thanks for all the help, made my day better....
                                            $endgroup$
                                            – Rachel Tapp
                                            Apr 20 '18 at 20:12














                                          -1












                                          -1








                                          -1





                                          $begingroup$

                                          What are the four numbers?




                                          • The sum of the whole is 25:



                                          $a + b + c + d = 25$





                                          • Large and small are different by 4:



                                          $x - y = 4$ where $x > y$ and $x$ could be ($a$ or $b$) and y could be ($b$ or $d$)





                                          • The first is 2 times the fourth:



                                          $(a = 2d) ... 2d + b + c + d = 25 => 3d + b + c = 25$





                                          • Third is equal to first:



                                          $(c = a = 2d) ... 2d + b + 2d + d = 25 => 5d + b = 25$




                                          The step 2 is the key to solve the problem. Just replace a, b or d for x and y (excluding c since c = a)...
                                          You will find 2 "integer" solutions:



                                          Solution 1:




                                          when $x = a = 2d$, and $y = d$

                                          $x - y = 4 => 2d - d = 4 => d = 4$




                                          Replace that in the last equation:




                                          $5d + b = 25 => 5*4 + b = 25 => 20 + b = 25 => b = 5$

                                          Solution: $a = 8, b = 5, c = 8, d = 4$






                                          Solution 2: when x = b, and y = a = 2d



                                          b - a = 4 => b = 4 + a => same as => b = 4 + 2d


                                          Replace that in the last equation, to find d:



                                          5d + b = 25 => 5d + (4 + 2d) = 25 => 7d = 25 - 4 => 7d = 21 => d = 3


                                          And then in the case equation, to find b:



                                          b = 4 + 2*3 => b = 10



                                          • a = 2d = 2*3 = 6

                                          • b = 10

                                          • c = 2d = 6

                                          • d = 3


                                          I have to remove this 2nd solution since violates the rule #2. 10-3 = 7... in other words, y can't be a since a is not the smallest (a > d), Thanks @Rubio.



                                          All the possible cases are:




                                          * $a - b = 4$, it is possible $a > b$ (no-integer solution)

                                          * $a - d = 4$, we are sure $a > d$ (integer solution)

                                          * $b - d = 4$, it is possible $b > d$ (no-integer solution)




                                          Note these are NOT a valid cases:




                                          * $b - a = 4$, we are sure $a$ is NOT the smallest, $a > d$ (error for solution 2)

                                          * $d - b = 4$, we are sure $d$ is NOT the largest, $a > d$

                                          * $a - c = 4$, impossible $a = c$
                                          * $d - a = 4$, impossible $a > d$







                                          share|improve this answer











                                          $endgroup$



                                          What are the four numbers?




                                          • The sum of the whole is 25:



                                          $a + b + c + d = 25$





                                          • Large and small are different by 4:



                                          $x - y = 4$ where $x > y$ and $x$ could be ($a$ or $b$) and y could be ($b$ or $d$)





                                          • The first is 2 times the fourth:



                                          $(a = 2d) ... 2d + b + c + d = 25 => 3d + b + c = 25$





                                          • Third is equal to first:



                                          $(c = a = 2d) ... 2d + b + 2d + d = 25 => 5d + b = 25$




                                          The step 2 is the key to solve the problem. Just replace a, b or d for x and y (excluding c since c = a)...
                                          You will find 2 "integer" solutions:



                                          Solution 1:




                                          when $x = a = 2d$, and $y = d$

                                          $x - y = 4 => 2d - d = 4 => d = 4$




                                          Replace that in the last equation:




                                          $5d + b = 25 => 5*4 + b = 25 => 20 + b = 25 => b = 5$

                                          Solution: $a = 8, b = 5, c = 8, d = 4$






                                          Solution 2: when x = b, and y = a = 2d



                                          b - a = 4 => b = 4 + a => same as => b = 4 + 2d


                                          Replace that in the last equation, to find d:



                                          5d + b = 25 => 5d + (4 + 2d) = 25 => 7d = 25 - 4 => 7d = 21 => d = 3


                                          And then in the case equation, to find b:



                                          b = 4 + 2*3 => b = 10



                                          • a = 2d = 2*3 = 6

                                          • b = 10

                                          • c = 2d = 6

                                          • d = 3


                                          I have to remove this 2nd solution since violates the rule #2. 10-3 = 7... in other words, y can't be a since a is not the smallest (a > d), Thanks @Rubio.



                                          All the possible cases are:




                                          * $a - b = 4$, it is possible $a > b$ (no-integer solution)

                                          * $a - d = 4$, we are sure $a > d$ (integer solution)

                                          * $b - d = 4$, it is possible $b > d$ (no-integer solution)




                                          Note these are NOT a valid cases:




                                          * $b - a = 4$, we are sure $a$ is NOT the smallest, $a > d$ (error for solution 2)

                                          * $d - b = 4$, we are sure $d$ is NOT the largest, $a > d$

                                          * $a - c = 4$, impossible $a = c$
                                          * $d - a = 4$, impossible $a > d$








                                          share|improve this answer














                                          share|improve this answer



                                          share|improve this answer








                                          edited Jun 8 '18 at 22:10

























                                          answered Apr 19 '18 at 21:53









                                          JaiderJaider

                                          1073




                                          1073












                                          • $begingroup$
                                            6,10,6,3 violates Line 2 constraint (which would better have been said as largest and smallest, but the intent is pretty clear). And how is any of your answer substantively different from the several that preceded it (other than half of it being wrong)?
                                            $endgroup$
                                            – Rubio
                                            Apr 19 '18 at 23:01








                                          • 1




                                            $begingroup$
                                            Thanks for all the help, made my day better....
                                            $endgroup$
                                            – Rachel Tapp
                                            Apr 20 '18 at 20:12


















                                          • $begingroup$
                                            6,10,6,3 violates Line 2 constraint (which would better have been said as largest and smallest, but the intent is pretty clear). And how is any of your answer substantively different from the several that preceded it (other than half of it being wrong)?
                                            $endgroup$
                                            – Rubio
                                            Apr 19 '18 at 23:01








                                          • 1




                                            $begingroup$
                                            Thanks for all the help, made my day better....
                                            $endgroup$
                                            – Rachel Tapp
                                            Apr 20 '18 at 20:12
















                                          $begingroup$
                                          6,10,6,3 violates Line 2 constraint (which would better have been said as largest and smallest, but the intent is pretty clear). And how is any of your answer substantively different from the several that preceded it (other than half of it being wrong)?
                                          $endgroup$
                                          – Rubio
                                          Apr 19 '18 at 23:01






                                          $begingroup$
                                          6,10,6,3 violates Line 2 constraint (which would better have been said as largest and smallest, but the intent is pretty clear). And how is any of your answer substantively different from the several that preceded it (other than half of it being wrong)?
                                          $endgroup$
                                          – Rubio
                                          Apr 19 '18 at 23:01






                                          1




                                          1




                                          $begingroup$
                                          Thanks for all the help, made my day better....
                                          $endgroup$
                                          – Rachel Tapp
                                          Apr 20 '18 at 20:12




                                          $begingroup$
                                          Thanks for all the help, made my day better....
                                          $endgroup$
                                          – Rachel Tapp
                                          Apr 20 '18 at 20:12


















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