1. Place the largest numbers (4 and 5) in the bottom row to maximize their contribution to the top.
2. The middle layer is formed by adding adjacent pairs from the bottom row.
3. The top number is the sum of the two numbers in the middle layer.
4. To maximize the top number, arrange the bottom row so that the largest possible sums are created in the middle layer.
5. One optimal arrangement is: 5, 1, 4, 2, 3 (from left to right on the bottom).
6. Middle layer becomes: (5+1)=6, (1+4)=5, (4+2)=6, (2+3)=5.
7. Top number becomes: (6+5)=11, (5+6)=11, then (11+11)=22.
8. Another optimal arrangement is: 3, 2, 4, 1, 5.
9. Middle layer: (3+2)=5, (2+4)=6, (4+1)=5, (1+5)=6.
10. Top number: (5+6)=11, (6+5)=11, then (11+11)=22.
11. Both arrangements yield the maximum top value of 22.
12. Therefore, the highest possible total at the top is 22.
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of christmas math worksheet 5th grade.
