Differences

Why do this problem?

At the heart of this problem is using a representation which helps to simplify the situation. For example, in the first part, using the fact that any number is either odd or even reveals the structure. The context and argument can be based on modulo arithmetic. Working from specific cases in order to generalise is a mathematical technique that can also be highlighted.

Possible approach

• Can they find three numbers where this is not the case?
• Why not?

• For the product not to be even what can you say about the differences?
• What does this mean about the original three numbers?

Now move on to the second part of the problem. Some help with describing the three types of number related to multiples of three might be needed (see the notes to the problem Take Three from Five ).
 

Key questions

• Why are there only three and six differences in the lists? (because $(a-b)$ is numerically equal to $(b-a) etc$)
• How can we describe all numbers in terms of muliples of $3$, or $4$ or $5$ ...?
• For the product not to be a multiple of three what can you say about the differences?

Possible support

Make 37 might be good to try first.

Possible extension

How many integers do you need to ensure that the product of all the differences is divisible by $5$?

Some students may go on to investigate this context more thoroughly, including posing and pursuing their own questions. For example: What about divisibility by $4$ and $6$, and then more generally?

Odd Stones and Take Three from Five might provide suitable follow-up problems.