15 Best Math Tricks and Puzzles To Wow Kids of All Ages - Free Printable

Let's solve this pyramid puzzle step by step.

We are given a number pyramid with some missing values. The goal is to determine the value of the ? (the missing number in the third row from the bottom).

Here's the structure:

```
2
5 3
6 1 ?
8 2 3 7
```

We need to find a pattern that relates the numbers in each row to the ones below.

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Step 1: Understand how the pyramid works

In such puzzles, usually each number in a higher row is derived from the two numbers directly below it.

So let’s look at the top number: 2

It sits above 5 and 3 → So maybe:
- 5 and 3 combine to make 2?

Try basic operations:
- 5 + 3 = 8 → too big
- 5 - 3 = 2 → YES! That gives us 2.

So perhaps: top number = left number - right number?

Check if this holds for other levels.

But wait — we have:
- Row 2: 5 and 3 → 5 - 3 = 2 → matches the top number.

Now check the next level down.

Row 3: 6, 1, ?

Row 4: 8, 2, 3, 7

Each number in row 3 should be derived from two adjacent numbers in row 4.

Let’s suppose the same rule applies: left - right, or something similar.

Let’s test:

#### First box in row 3: 6

It sits above 8 and 2 → so maybe 8 and 2 produce 6?

Try:
- 8 - 2 = 6 → YES!

So 8 - 2 = 6 → fits.

#### Second box in row 3: 1

Sits above 2 and 3 → 2 and 3 → what operation gives 1?

Try:
- 2 - 3 = -1 → no
- 3 - 2 = 1 → YES!

So 3 - 2 = 1

Wait — now the pattern seems inconsistent:
- For 6: 8 - 2 = 6 → left minus right
- For 1: 3 - 2 = 1 → right minus left

Hmm. Not consistent.

But notice: 8 and 2 → 8 - 2 = 6 → left minus right

2 and 3 → 3 - 2 = 1 → right minus left

Not symmetric.

Alternative idea: Maybe the sum or product?

Try:
- 8 + 2 = 10 ≠ 6
- 8 × 2 = 16 ≠ 6
- 8 / 2 = 4 ≠ 6

No.

But 8 - 2 = 6 → works.

2 and 3 → 3 - 2 = 1 → also works, but reversed.

So maybe the rule is: larger number minus smaller number?

- 8 and 2 → 8 - 2 = 6 → yes
- 2 and 3 → 3 - 2 = 1 → yes

So both times: max(a,b) - min(a,b) → difference

Then the number above is the absolute difference?

Let’s test that.

So:
- 8 and 2 → |8 - 2| = 6 → matches
- 2 and 3 → |2 - 3| = 1 → matches

Now, the third number in row 3 is ?, which sits above 3 and 7.

So:
- |3 - 7| = | -4 | = 4

So ? = 4?

Let’s see if that makes sense.

So far:
- Row 3: 6, 1, 4

Now go up: Row 2: 5 and 3

They sit above 6 and 1 → so 6 and 1 → what produces 5 and 3?

Let’s try applying the same logic.

First number in row 2: 5 → sits above 6 and 1

|6 - 1| = 5 → YES!

Second number in row 2: 3 → sits above 1 and 4 → |1 - 4| = 3 → YES!

Perfect!

Now top: 2 → sits above 5 and 3 → |5 - 3| = 2 → YES!

So the entire pyramid follows the rule:

> Each number is the absolute difference of the two numbers directly below it.

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Final Check:

Let’s write all steps:

Bottom row: 8, 2, 3, 7

Row 3:
- |8 - 2| = 6
- |2 - 3| = 1
- |3 - 7| = 4 → so ? = 4

Row 2:
- |6 - 1| = 5
- |1 - 4| = 3

Top:
- |5 - 3| = 2

All match perfectly.

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✔ Answer: 4

The missing number is 4.