Let’s solve this step by step.
We are given a tournament-style bracket with 8 players (numbered 1 through 8). The numbers in parentheses — (1) through (7) — represent the matches or rounds where two players compete, and the winner moves on to the next round.
Our goal is to figure out
which player wins the entire tournament, assuming that in each match, the player with the
higher number always wins.
Wait — actually, let’s double-check: the problem doesn’t say who wins each match! But since no other info is given, we must assume a standard rule for such problems:
the higher-numbered player beats the lower-numbered player in every match. That’s the usual convention unless stated otherwise.
So let’s go match by match.
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First, look at match (1): Player 1 vs Player 8
→ Higher number is 8 →
Player 8 wins
Match (2): Player 4 vs Player 5
→ Higher number is 5 →
Player 5 wins
Match (3): Player 3 vs Player 6
→ Higher number is 6 →
Player 6 wins
Match (4): Player 2 vs Player 7
→ Higher number is 7 →
Player 7 wins
Now, move to the next round:
Match (5): Winner of (1) vs Winner of (2) → Player 8 vs Player 5
→ Higher number is 8 →
Player 8 wins
Match (6): Winner of (3) vs Winner of (4) → Player 6 vs Player 7
→ Higher number is 7 →
Player 7 wins
Final match (7): Winner of (5) vs Winner of (6) → Player 8 vs Player 7
→ Higher number is 8 →
Player 8 wins
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Let me verify again to be sure:
Round 1:
- (1): 1 vs 8 → 8 wins
- (2): 4 vs 5 → 5 wins
- (3): 3 vs 6 → 6 wins
- (4): 2 vs 7 → 7 wins
Round 2:
- (5): 8 vs 5 → 8 wins
- (6): 6 vs 7 → 7 wins
Final:
- (7): 8 vs 7 → 8 wins
Yes, that’s consistent.
Final Answer:
8
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of printable brackets for 8 teams.