LOGITICA ™

The Brain Behind the Brain

LEARN SOLVING

Number PYRMID
For ages 8+
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3
 Table of Contents
Chapter-1 Number Pyramid ...16
Overview .........................16
Example-1 .........................17
Example-2 .........................19
Example-3 .........................21
Summary .........................23
Exercises .........................24

Chapter-2 Simple Equation ...28

Overview .........................28
Example-1 .........................30
Example-2 .........................31
More on Solving Equations .........................33
Summary .........................34
Exercises .........................35

Chapter-3 Solving a Simple Pyramid ...36

Overview .........................36
Example-1 .........................36
Summary .........................39
Exercises .........................40

Chapter-4 More Number Pyramids ...44

Overview .........................44
Example-1 .........................44
Example-3 .........................48
Exercises .........................53

4
Chapter-5 Formulas for Solving Pyramid
Problems ...57
Overview .........................57
Three Rows Pyramid .........................57
Example-1 .........................59
Four Rows Pyramid .........................61
Example-2 .........................62
Pyramid with 5 Rows .........................65
Example-3 .........................67
Summary .........................70
Exercises .........................71

Appendix
(A) More on 4-Row Pyramids ...78
(B) More on 5-Row Pyramids ...80
(C) Formula for a 6-Row Pyramid ...82
(D) Formula for The Higher Number of Rows ...86

Answers
Chapter-1 Number Pyramid ...88
Chapter-2 Simple Equation ...91
Chapter-3 Solving a Simple Pyramid ...92
Chapter-4 More Number Pyramids ...95
Chapter-5 Formulas for Solving Pyramid Problems ...99

5
 All rights reserved
Copyright © 2019 Neelabh Kumar. All rights reserved. CC-BY-NC-ND
4.0
Publisher's note
This book or any portions of this book, including the problems and solutions,
may not be copied, reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, transmitted or
distributed in any form by any means, electronically, mechanically,
photocopying, microfilming, recording or otherwise, without prior written
permission from the author and publisher The author uniquely designed every
problem in the book while developing the concepts contained herein. We
encourage you to use this book for self-learning and self-study. None of the
problems, concepts or any other part of the book can be used for commercial
purposes or coursework by any school, coaching institute, tutor and/or
tutoring center, etc. without prior written permission from the author and
publisher. For permission requests, write to the publisher, addressed
“Attention: Permissions Logitica Book”. Refer to the site Logitica.com for
contact details.

Logitica.com

6
Author
Neelabh Kumar is a thinker. Having memorized the first 1500 digits of Pi
(π) using sequential recollection, he is ranked among the top 150 on the
Pi World Ranking List. He is the creator behind Wisgo Logitica, which
stimulates both sides of the brain. One of the Wisgo Logiticas Kumar
created has a patent granted in Hong Kong. After earning a Masters
Degree from one of the most prestigious universities in India (IIT), Kumar
is now employed in Hong Kong at a large financial firm, while also creat-
ing and designing a new Logitica, with more to come.

Editors:
(1) Dilip Kumar Das, B.E. Civil Engineering, Retired executive
from Visakhapatnam Steel Plant, India

(2) Reetu Das, B.Tech. (Computer Science), India.

Publisher’s Cataloging-in-Publication data

Wisgo Limited, Hong Kong
Logitica: The Brain Behind the Brain
Learn Solving NUMBER PYRAMID
First Edition 1.0

7
 Dedication
I lovingly dedicate this book

to

my parents
Mr. Tarkeshwar Prasad & Late. Mridulata Verma

Thanks for your love and support.

8
 Acknowledgment
I express my thanks to Mr. Dilip Kumar Das for
editing and designing this book. A very special
thanks to Mrs. Lipica Das for encouraging me to
write this unique book.

I also thank my friends and family members for

their suggestions and encouragement.

Thank you Reetu, my wife and best friend. Thanks

for editing and presenting the book in a nice and
easy to read format.

9
Three important concepts
in Logitica
Logitica: The Brain Behind the Brain

I. Build true knowledge

Continuous learning, along with building logic
iteratively, is true knowledge.

II. Don't memorize

Build the logic, not the memory.

III. Do memorize
Memorize the structure of the problem, not its
solution.

10
Preface
Learn Solving NUMBER PYRAMID

Plants don't grow in a day, and neither does logic.

Neelabh

I. About this book

The focus in this Logitica book is to learn solving Number
Pyramid problems. We will also learn solving Simple
Equations using a variety of pyramid problems in an
interesting and engaging way.

II. About Logitica

LOGITICA can be considered as, "The Brain Behind the
Brain." Just like our brain tells us how to do things, Logitica
is designed to train the brain how to think. The purpose of
Logitica is described below in a few lines:
Purpose of Logitica: Logitica is a new concept, and new
types of Logiticas are continually being created and
designed by the author. However, this book is a good

11
starting point for building logic in a unique way. Improving
Mathematical Ability is an excellent way to build a
foundation to develop one's cognitive abilities. When you
combine this with Problem-Solving Skills, you have the
ability to rationally reason things out when presented with
a problem and determine how to go forward in reaching
the best possible solution. If you are reading this book, your
never-ending journey towards intelligence is well
underway. This journey, taken many times by creators and
inventors in the past while solving unknown problems, is
now accessible to an inquisitive and passionate mind
through the innovation of Logitica: The Brain Behind the
Brain.

IV. Structure of the Chapters

In the book, we have arranged the chapters in a structured
and logical manner. We have presented each chapter in an
interesting way and explain the concepts using simple
examples to aid iterative learning. Each of the chapters is
enriched with plenty of examples and problems to practice
the concepts discussed in the chapter. The Exercise Section
includes the following two levels of problems:
✔ Level-I: These are the more straightforward problems for
you to solve and are useful in building a good basic
understanding of the concepts discussed in the chapter.
✔ Level-II: The problems in this category are slightly more
challenging than those in Level-I. Readers will learn

12
 more about the relevant concept by solving problems on
this level.

V. Intended audience
This unique book is designed for 8+ year olds. The book is
written with simple mathematical concepts, but the
concepts may be slightly advanced for some kids. Hence,
they will need parental or tutorial guidance while reading
this book.

"LEARN SOLVING NUMBER PYRAMID" is the perfect

textbook for private tutors and tutoring centers to use in
helping their students improve mathematical and logical
thinking. These are the precise skills they will need to come
out on top academically and succeed later on in their
professional careers. Now that the developed world has
entered the Digital Age, it is important that we all adapt to
the advancements being made in technology, which often
require logical and analytical thinking. An excellent way to
develop these skills is by learning the concepts taught in
Logitica and putting those concepts to use while solving the
problems in the book. Logitica offers a unique way of
teaching logic and reasoning in an engaging manner.
Therefore, this is an excellent book for parents who plan to
homeschool their kids.

13
VI. What is Logitica needed?
All parents want to give their children the best start in life
and this means a good early education. Why not start now
to promote the development of their cognitive abilities
through the concepts taught in LOGITICA? When they learn
logic and reasoning, it can build the foundation for what lies
ahead in the 21st Century, a world where jobs in Science,
Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) are in high
demand and will continue to be.

Learning is iterative

Logitica specifically teaches how to approach different

types of mathematical problems in a logical manner and
presents the concepts in an engaging, fun and unique way.
This helps to build logic in an iterative manner.

VII. Notion used in this book

We used the following symbols/notations in this book:
(i) Multiplication (×): We will use this symbol(×) for
multiplication.
2
(ii) Division: We will use the standard symbol like to
3
14
indicate division.
(iii) ♜Note: We will use this symbol(♜) to describe
important notes on the relevant topic.
(iv) ♛ Definition: We will use this symbol(♛) to define the
important concepts in the relevant chapter.

VIII. How to read this book

The best way to read this book is to go through each
chapter sequentially as arranged in the book. In general,
you should spend around one week on each chapter. The
reader is recommended to study the Examples and Problems
to understand the concept in the chapter. Subsequently,
the reader should practice with the questions in the Exercise
Section to improve their understanding on the topic.
Since learning is an iterative process and it takes time to
build the logic. So, you should not speed read through all
the chapters at once, rather you should take your time to
study and analyze the material in each chapter.

15
Chapter 1

Number Pyramid
1.1 Overview
In this chapter, we will define what we mean by a Number
Pyramid.

♛ Definition - Number pyramid

A Number Pyramid is a collection of cells arranged in a
pyramid. Each cell in the pyramid contains a number, which
is the sum of two numbers in the cells directly below it. This
rule obviously does not apply to the bottom row, as it has
no row below it. An example of a Number pyramid is shown
below in figure-1.1:

Figure-1.1: A Number Pyramid

♜Note:
(i) It is worth noting that the numbers in a pyramid can be
positive, negative or fractional. However, the problems in

16
this book do not involve fractional numbers.
(ii) For brevity, we may refer to a "Number Pyramid" as a
“pyramid" in this book.

1.2 Example-1
Consider an example of a pyramid below in figure-1.2:

Figure-1.2: Example-1
This is a 3-row pyramid. A step-by-step approach is
provided below to explain the underlying principle behind
a Number Pyramid:
✔ Step 1: Let us check whether each of
the numbers in row-2 is the sum of
the two numbers below it. As shown
in the figure on the right:
1+5=6
5+4=9
✔ Step 2: Let us check whether the
numbers in the topmost cell is the
sum of the two numbers below it. As
shown in the figure on the right: 6 + 9 = 15.

17
The above two steps are summarized in figure-1.3 below:

Figure-1.3: Adding numbers in the pyramid

Let us define what the objective of a Number Pyramid

problem is.

♛ Definition - Objective of a Number Pyramid Problem:

A Number Pyramid problem contains a pyramid with some
missing numbers to fill in, and the objective of the
problem is to complete the pyramid. In other words, you
need to determine all the missing numbers in the pyramid.
An example of a Number Pyramid problem is shown in
figure-1.4.

18
1.3 Example-2
Consider an example of a pyramid problem below in figure-
1.4.

Figure-1.4: Example-2

As shown in the figure above, all the numbers in the bottom

row are known. A step-by-step approach is provided below
to find the missing numbers in the pyramid. These steps are
also summarized in figure-1.5.
✔ Step 1: We first need to determine
the missing numbers in row-2 by
adding the numbers from row-1:
4+2=6
2+5=7
✔ Step 2: In this step, we find the
missing numbers in row-3 by adding
the numbers from row-2:
6 + 7 = 13

19
With this, we have determined all the numbers in the
pyramid. The above three steps have been summarized
below in figure-1.5:

Figure-1.5: Steps of solving the pyramid problem

1.3.1 Answer
Now that we have found all the numbers in the pyramid, we
can show the completed pyramid below in figure-1.6:

Figure-1.6: Answer
In this example, we add the numbers going upwards
starting from the bottom row (row-1) to find the missing

20
numbers. Even if you come across a similar pyramid
problem with a higher number of rows, you need to follow
the similar steps to find all the missing numbers. Let us
discuss an example of a 4-row pyramid.

1.4 Example-3
Consider another example of pyramid problem below in
figure-1.7:

Figure-1.7: Example-3

This is a 4-row pyramid. In the pyramid, all the numbers in

the bottom row are known, and we need to find the missing
numbers in the pyramid. A step-by-step approach is
provided below to find the missing numbers in the pyramid.
These steps are also summarized in figure-1.7.
✔ Step 1: We first determine the
three missing numbers in row-2
by adding the numbers from
row-1:
1+7=8
7 + 5 = 12

21
 5 + 8 = 13
✔ Step 2: In this step, we find the
two missing numbers in row-3
by adding the numbers from
row-2:
8 + 12 = 20
12 + 13 = 25
✔ Step 3: Now we can find the
missing number in the topmost
cell by adding numbers from
row-3:
20 + 25 = 45

The above three steps have been summarized below in

figure-1.8:

Figure-1.8: Steps of solving the pyramid problem

22
1.4.1 Answer
Now that we have found all the numbers in the pyramid, we
can show the completed pyramid below in figure-1.9:

Figure-1.9: Answer

1.5 Summary
In this chapter, we discussed three pyramid problems. In
each of the problems, all the numbers in the bottom row of
the pyramid were known, and a step-by-step approach was
provided to find the missing numbers. We used these
examples to build the foundation needed for solving a
variety of pyramid problems. The chapter is also enriched
with more problems in the Exercise Section. You should
practice with these problems to get a better understanding
of the concepts discussed in the chapter.

23
1.6 Exercises

Level-I
(i) (ii)

(iii) (iv)

(v) (vi)

24
(vii) (viii)

(ix) (x)

Level-II

(i) (ii)

25
(iii) (iv)

(v) (vi)

(vii) (viii)

26
 (x)
(ix)

27
Chapter 2
Simple Equation
2.1 Overview
Before we learn to solve more Number Pyramid problems, we
need to understand how to solve an equation. Let us first
define a few terms like "Unknown Variable," "Equation,"
and "Coefficient."

♛ Definition - Unknown Variable

In mathematics, a variable is a symbol like "x" that
represents a number, and whose value is likely to change
based on the some specified condition(s). In the context of
an equation, the value of a variable is the solution of the
equation. In an equation, the value of a variable is unknown
(and hence unknown variable). We solve the equation to
determine the value of the variable. We will learn how to
solve equations in this chapter.

♛ Definition - Equation
An equation contains numbers and variables and has two
sides:
LHS: Left-Hand Side
RHS: Right-Hand Side
The two sides are separated by an equal ("=") sign. Here is

28
an example of an equation:

Figure-2.1: An example of Equation

In the equation above:

• x is the variable, and the equation needs to be solved for
x.
• (2x + 5) is the left-hand side (LHS)
• 11 is the right-hand side (RHS).

♛ Definition - Coefficient
In a mathematical expression, the number before the
variable is referred to as "Coefficient." For example, in the
expression "2x + 5," the coefficient of x is 2.

♛ Definition - Solution(s) of a Equation

An equation is either true or false depending on the value
of the variable. In the equation below, we will see that for
some value of x, the equation is true, i.e., LHS = RHS, such
values of x is called the solutions of the equation.

29
Let us consider an example of an equation below:

2x + 5 = 11
• x = 1: LHS = 2x + 5 = 2 × 1 + 5 = 7 ≠ RHS
• x = 2: LHS = 2x + 5 = 2 × 2 + 5 = 9 ≠ RHS
• x = 3: LHS = 2x + 5 = 2 × 3 + 5 = 11 = RHS

Therefore, x = 3 is the solution of the equation, whereas 1

and 2 are not.

2.2 Example-1
Let us try solving our first example:

2x + 5 = 11
In this example, we have to find the value of x. Let us follow
a step by step method to solve the equation:
✔ Step-1: Subtract 5 from both sides of the equation:
2x + 5 = 11
(2x + 5) - 5 = 11 - 5
2x + 5 - 5 = 6
2x = 6
✔ Step-2: To get rid of coefficient 2 from the left side of the
equation, we divide both sides by 2:
2x = 6
2x 6
=
2 2
x=3

30
✔ Verification Step: We have found the value of x = 3. This
is the verification step, where we verify whether the
calculated value of x is correct. For this, we will put the
value of x in the equation. If our calculation is correct, the
following condition will be valid:
LHS = RHS
LHS : 2x + 5 = 2 × 3 + 5 = 6 + 5 = 11
RHS : 11
Since LHS = RHS, we conclude that x = 6 is the
solution of this equation.
Let us try solving another example in Example-2.

2.3 Example-2
Consider another simple equation below:

2x + 7 = 4x - 1
Let us follow a step by step method to solve the equation:
✔ Step-1: Add 1 to the both sides of the equation:

2x + 7 = 4x - 1
(2x + 7) + 1 = (4x - 1) + 1
2x + 7 + 1 = 4x - 1 + 1
2x + 8 = 4x
✔ Step-2: Subtract 2x from the both sides of the equation:

2x + 8 = 4x

31
 (2x + 8) - 2x = 4x - 2x
2x + 8 - 2x = 2x
8 = 2x
✔ Step-3: Divide both sides of the equation by 2:

8 = 2x
8 2x
=
2 2
4=x
x=4
✔ Verification Step: We have found the value of x = 4. This
is the verification step, where we verify whether the
calculated value of x is correct. For this, we will put the
value of x in the equation. If our calculation is correct, the
following condition will be valid:
LHS = RHS
LHS : 2x + 7 = 2 × 4 + 7
=8+7
= 15
RHS : 4x - 1 = 4 × 4 - 1
= 16 - 1
= 15
Since LHS = RHS, we conclude that x = 4 is the solution of
this equation.

32
2.4 More on Solving Equations
In the previous section, we have seen how we applied
different arithmetic operations (like dividing both sides), to
solve equations. However, we can use a simple technique
called Arithmetic Reversal define below:

♛ Definition: Arithmetic Reversal

While solving equations, when we have to get rid of
coefficients or numbers, we can apply Arithmetic Reversal,
where we reverse the arithmetic operation to its counterpart.
Arithmetic Reversal is applied when we move numbers,
coefficients, or variables to the other side of the equation.
We will see how to apply Arithmetic Reversal in solving an
equation later in the chapter in figure-2.3.

An example of Arithmetic Reversal is shown below:

Example Explanation
From addition to subtraction
changes to
From subtraction to addition
changes to
From multiplication to division

changes to
From addition to subtraction
changes to

Figure-2.2: An example of Arithmetic Reversal

33
Let us solve a simple equation using two methods:

2x + 7 = 15
Normal method Arithmetic Reversal
2x + 7 = 15 2x + 7 = 15
Subtracting 7 from both sides: Moving 7 on the other side and
apply Arithmetic Reversal:
(2x + 7) - 7 = 15 - 7
2x = 15 - 7 = 8
2x = 8
Moving 2 on the other side and
Dividing both sides by 2:
apply Arithmetic Reversal:
2x 8
= =4 8
2 2 x= =4
2

Figure-2.3: An example of Arithmetic Reversal

2.5 Summary
We solved two simple equations in this chapter. Each of
these examples was different. However, the steps to solving
these equations were similar. We learned how to find the
value of the unknown variable. We also saw how to verify our
calculations. We then discussed how can we use Arithmetic
Reversal for solving the problems in a few numbers of steps.
Learning these concepts is useful as this will help in solving
more advanced pyramid problems. The chapter is also
enriched with more problems for you to learn the concepts
discussed in this chapter.

34
2.6 Exercises
Solve the following equations:
Level-I
(i) 2x = 10
(ii) 9x + 1 = 28
(iii) 12x - 5 = 55

(iv) 4x + 7 = 35
(v) 7x + 1 = 43

Level-II
(i) 2x + 5 = x + 15
(ii) 6x +1 = -x + 22

(iii) x + 4 = 5x + 84
(iv) 15x + 5 = 4x + 60
(v) -7x + 4 = -15x + 20

35
Chapter 3

Solving a Simple Pyramid

3.1 Overview
We have seen how to solve a variety of simple equations in
Chapter-2 (p.28). Now we will use this concept to solve
different types of Number Pyramid problems. Let us review
our first example.

3.2 Example-1
Find the missing numbers in the pyramid shown below:

Figure-3.1: Example-1

The problem in this example is slightly different from the

one in Chapter-1 (p.16). A simple pyramid problem
typically contains numbers in all the cells in the bottom row.
However, in this pyramid, one of the cells in the bottom row

36
is missing its number. We can follow a step-by-step
approach to find the missing numbers as described below:
✔ Step 1: We should first try to find cells for which we can
calculate the numbers quickly by using the known
numbers in the pyramid. In this pyramid, we can see that
number 5 and 9 in the bottom row are next to each
other. Hence, we can use these
numbers to find the number in the
cell above them:
5 + 9 = 14
However, we cannot calculate any
more numbers in row-2 as we have a
missing number in the bottom row. In the subsequent
steps, we will learn how to determine the remaining
missing numbers in the pyramid.
✔ Step 2: Let us label the missing number
in the bottom row as x. Since we know
that the value of any cell in the pyramid is
the sum of the two numbers directly
below it, we can use the following equation to determine
the value of x:
x + 7 = 20
x = 22 - 13 = 15
✔ Step 3: We can find this value of x to find
the missing number in row-2: 9 + 15 = 24.
✔ Step 4: The numbers in row-3 can now be calculated by
adding the numbers from row-2:
8 + 16 = 24
16 +20 = 36

37
✔ Step 5: We can now calculate the number at the top of
the pyramid by adding the numbers from row-3:
24 + 36 = 60

We have also summarized the above steps in figure-3.2.

Figure-3.2: Steps of solving the pyramid problem

It is easy to see that once we have all the numbers in the

bottom row, the numbers in the upper rows can easily be
calculated by adding the appropriate numbers together
iteratively upwards. Now that we have determined all the
missing numbers in the pyramid, we can show the
completed pyramid in the next section.

38
3.2.1 Answer
The answer to the problem is shown in figure-3.3 below:

Figure-3.3: Answer

3.3 Summary
In Chapter-1 (p.16), we discussed a few pyramid problems,
where all the numbers in the bottom row were known. In
such cases, we just add the numbers iteratively upwards to
find the missing number. On the other hand in this chapter,
we discussed the types of pyramid problem where one of
the numbers in the bottom row is missing. Learning such
concepts helps us to learn simple equations in a unique and
interesting way. The chapter is also enriched with more
problems in the Exercise Section. You should practice with
these problems to get a better understanding of the
concepts discussed in the chapter.

39
3.4 Exercises
Complete the following Number Pyramids.

Level-I
(i) (ii)

(iii) (iv)

(v) (vi)

40
(vii) (viii)

(ix) (x)

Level-II
(i) (ii)

41
(iii) (iv)

(v) (vi)

(vii) (viii)

42
(ix) (x)

43
Chapter 4
More Number Pyramids
4.1 Overview
In this chapter, we will review a slightly advanced problem
to see how can we use Simple Equations to find the missing
number.

4.2 Example-1
Find the missing numbers in the pyramid below:

Figure-4.1: Example-2

This pyramid problem is slightly more challenging than the

problems in the previous chapters. In this example, one of
the numbers in the bottom row is missing along with one or
more numbers in row-2, row-3 and row-4. We will have to
use the known numbers to find the missing values in the

44
pyramid. We can follow a step-by-step approach to find the
missing numbers as described below:
✔ Step 1: We should first try to find cells for which we can
calculate the numbers quickly by using the known
numbers in the pyramid. In this pyramid, we can see that
number 1 and 8 in the bottom row are next to each
other. Hence, we can use these numbers to find the
number in the cell above them:

1+8 =9

However, we cannot calculate any more numbers in

row-2 as we have a missing number in the bottom row.
In the subsequent steps, we will learn how to
determine the remaining missing numbers in the
pyramid.
✔ Step 2: Let us label the missing number in the bottom
row as x. Since we know that the value of any cell in the
pyramid is the sum of the two numbers directly below it,
we can use the following expressions to represent the
values of two numbers in row-2:

x+8 x+5

45
✔ Step 3: We can use the following expression to represent
the rightmost number row-3:

x + 8 + x + 5 = 2x + 13

✔ Step 4: As shown in figure-4.2, we know that the

rightmost number row-3 is 25. Hence, we can use the
following equation to find the value of x:

2x + 13 = 25

2x = 25 - 13 = 12

12
x= =6
2

Figure-4.2: Steps of solving the pyramid problem

✔ Step 5: Referring to figure-4.2, we now know all the

numbers in the bottom row. Hence, we can find the
missing numbers in all the rows:

46
 x + 8 = 6 + 8 = 14
Row-1
x + 5 = 6 + 5 = 11
9 + 14 = 23

Row-2 2x + 13 = 2 × 6 + 13 = 12 + 13 = 25. This

equals the number in the cell, which proves
that our calculation is correct.
The number in the topmost cell of the
Row-3
pyramid is: 23 + 25 = 48.

We have also summarized the above steps in figure-4.3.

Figure-4.3: Steps of solving the pyramid problem

47
Now that we have determined all the missing numbers in
the pyramid, we can show the completed pyramid in the
next section.

4.2.1 Answer
The answer to the problem is shown below in figure-4.4:

Figure-4.4: Answer

4.3 Example-3
Find the missing numbers in the pyramid shown below:

Figure-4.5: Example-3
The problem in this example is slightly more challenging
than the problems in the previous example. In this example,
one of the numbers in the bottom row is missing along with

48
all the numbers in row-2 and row-3. We will have to use the
number in the topmost cell to find the missing values in the
pyramid, along with the numbers we do have in row-1. We
can follow a step-by-step approach to find the missing
numbers as described below:
✔ Step 1: We should first try to find cells for which we can
calculate the numbers quickly by using the known
numbers in the pyramid. In this pyramid, we can see that
number 4 and 5 in the bottom row are
next to each other. Hence, we can use
these numbers to find the number in
the cell above them:
4+5 =9
However, we cannot calculate any
more numbers in row-2 as we have a missing number
in the bottom row. In the subsequent steps, we will
learn how to determine the remaining missing
numbers in the pyramid.
✔ Step 2: Let us label the missing number in the bottom
row as x. Since we know that the value of any cell in the
pyramid is the sum of the two numbers directly below it,
we can use the following expressions to represent the
values of two numbers in row-2:

x+3 x+4

49
✔ Step 3: We can use the following expressions to
represent the values of two numbers in row-3:

x + 4 + x + 3 = 2x + 7 x + 4 + 9 = x + 13
✔ Step 4: We can use the following expression to represent
the values of numbers in row-4:

2x + 7 + x + 13 = 3x + 20

✔ Step 4: As shown in figure-4.6, we know that the

number in the topmost cell is 35. Hence, we can use the
following equation to find the value of x:
3x + 20 = 35
3x = 35 - 20
15
x= =5
3

Figure-4.6: Steps of solving the pyramid problem

50
✔ Step 5: Now that we found the value of x, we can find
the numbers in all the rows:
x+3=5+3=8
Row-1
x+4=5+4=9
x + 3 + x + 4 = 2x + 7 = 2 × 5 + 7 = 10 + 7 = 17
Row-2
x + 4 + 9 = x + 13 = 5 + 13 = 18
We already know that number in the topmost
cell is 35, which also equals the sum of two
Row-3
numbers below it: 17+18 = 35. This proves
that our calculation is correct.
We have also summarized the above steps in figure-4.7.

Figure-4.7: Steps of solving the pyramid problem

51
Now that we have determined all the missing numbers in
the pyramid, we can show the completed pyramid in the
next section.

4.3.1 Answer
The answer to the problem is shown in figure below:

Figure-4.8: Answer

4.3.2 Summary
In this problem, the equations will become messy if we
more numbers of rows in the pyramid. We will learn in the
next chapter how to use formulas to solve such problems in
an elegant manner. The chapter is also enriched with more
problems in the Exercise Section. You should practice with
these problems to get a better understanding of the
concepts discussed in the chapter.

52
4.4 Exercises
Complete the following Number Pyramids.

Level-I
(i) (ii)

(iii) (iv)

(v) (vi)

53
(vii) (viii)

(ix) (x)

Level-II
(i) (ii)

54
(iii) (iv)

(v) (vi)

(vii) (viii)

55
(ix) (x)

(xi) (xii)

56
 Chapter 5

Formulas for Solving

Pyramid Problems
5.1 Overview
In Chapter-4 (p.44), we discussed how to solve some of the
advance pyramid problems. We first assumed the missing
number as x, and then form the relevant expression(s) to
represent the numbers in the cells of the pyramid. However,
such method of solving Number Pyramid problems becomes
messy as the number of rows grows in the pyramid. In this
chapter, we will discuss the formulas that can be used for
solving such problems.

5.2 Three Rows Pyramid

Let us discuss the formula for solving a 3-row pyramid.

Figure-5.1: A 3-row pyramid

As shown in the figure above, we have a 3-row pyramid,

which contains 6 numbers. These 6 numbers in the pyramid

57
are represented by symbols A, B, C, D, E, and F. We can write
the following formula to express the relation between the
numbers in the bottom row (A, B, C) and the number in the
topmost cell (F):

F = A + 2B + C Formula (1)

Let us verify this formula with an example of a 3-row

pyramid:

Figure-5.2: Formula for solving a 3-row pyramid

As shown in the figure above, we can write:

A B C D E F
8 12 16 20 28 48
Now let us verify formula (1):
F = A + 2B + C
= 8 + 2 × 12 + 16
= 8 + 24 + 16
= 48.
This result equals the number that we have found by adding
numbers going upwards. This means that the formula(1)

58
directly gives us the number at the topmost cell in a 3-row
pyramid by using the numbers in the bottom row of the
pyramid. Let us discuss a problem where we will apply
formula(1) to solve the pyramid problem in a fewer number
of steps.

5.3 Example-1
Let us discuss how can we use formula-1 for solving a 3-row
pyramid problem:

Figure-5.3: Example-1
We can follow a step-by-step approach to find the missing
numbers as described below:
✔ Step 1: Let us label the missing number in the bottom
row as x.

Figure-5.4: Steps for solving Example-1

59
We can write the following values from the pyramid:
A B C F

1 x 6 59
✔ Step 2: Now we can use formula(1) to write the following
equations:
F = A + 2B + C Formula (1)

59 = 1 + 2x + 6 = 2x + 7

2x + 7 = 59

2x = 59 - 7 = 52

x = 52 = 26
2
✔ Step 3: Now can find the missing numbers as shown in
the table below:

Figure-5.5: Steps for solving Example-1

1 + 26 = 27
Row-1
26 + 6 = 32
27 + 32 = 59. This equals the number in the
Row-2 cell, which proves that our calculation is
correct.

60
In the previous section, we have learned how to use the
suggested formula for solving a 3-row pyramid. Let us
extend our discussion to a new formula that can be used for
solving a 4-row pyramid.

5.4 Four Rows Pyramid

Let us discuss the formula for solving a 4-row pyramid.

Figure-5.6: A 4-row pyramid

As shown in the figure above, we have a 4-row pyramid,

which contains 10 numbers. These 10 numbers in the
pyramid is represented by the symbols A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I,
and J, respectively. We can write the following formula to
express the relation between the numbers in the bottom
row (A, B, C, D) and the number in the topmost cell (J):

J = A + 3B + 3C + D Formula (2)

Let us verify this formula with an example as shown in

figure-5.7:

61
 Figure-5.7: Formula for solving a 4-row pyramid

As shown in the figure above, we can write:

A B C D E F G H I J
1 9 3 4 10 12 7 22 19 41

Now let us verify formula(2) for the pyramid in figure-5.7:

J = A + 3B + 3C + D Formula (2)
=1+3×9+3×3+4
= 1 + 27 + 9 + 4 = 41.
This result equals the number that we have found by adding
numbers iteratively upwards. This means that formula-2
directly gives us the number at the topmost cell in a 4-row
pyramid by using the numbers in the bottom row.

5.5 Example-2
In Chapter-4 (p.44), we have discussed a 4-row pyramid in
Example-3. We will revisit the same example to demonstrate
how can we use formula-2 to solve the problem in a fewer
number of steps.

62
 Figure-5.8: Example-2
We can follow a step-by-step approach to find the missing
numbers as described below:
✔ Step 1: Let us label the missing number in the bottom
row as x.

Figure-5.9: Steps of solving the pyramid problem

We can write the following values from the pyramid:

A B C D J
3 x 4 5 35

✔ Step 2: Now we can use formula(2) to write the following

equations:
J = A + 3B + 3C + D (Formula (2))
35 = 3 + 3x + 3 × 4 + 5 = 3 + 3x + 12 + 5

63
 35 = 3x + 20

3x = 35 - 20

3x = 15

x = 15 = 5
3
✔ Step 3: Now can find the missing numbers:

Figure-5.10: Steps of solving the pyramid problem

3+5=8
Row-1 5+4=9
4+5=9
8 + 9 = 17
Row-2
9 + 9 = 18
17 + 18 = 35, which equals the number in the
Row-3 topmost cell. This proves that our calculation is
correct.
Did you noticed that formula(2) helped to solve a 4-row

64
pyramid problem in a fewer number of steps? Now that we
have determined all the missing numbers in the pyramid,
we can show the completed pyramid in the next section.

5.5.1 Answer
The answer to the problem is shown in figure below:

Figure-5.11: Answer

In the previous section, we have learned how to use the

suggested formula for solving a 4-row pyramid. Let us
extend our discussion to a new formula that can be used for
solving a 5-row pyramid.

5.6 Pyramid with 5 Rows

Let us discuss the formula for solving a 5-row pyramid.

Figure-5.12: A 5-Row Pyramid

65
As shown in the figure above, we have a 5-row pyramid,
which contains 15 numbers. The 15 numbers in the pyramid
are represented by symbols A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N,
and O. We can write the following formula to express the
relation between the numbers in the bottom row (A, B, C, D,
E) and the number in the topmost cell (O):

O = A + 4B + 6C + 4D + E Formula (3)
Let us verify this formula with an example:

Figure-5.13: Steps of solving the pyramid problem

As shown in the figure above, we can write:

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O
3 2 1 9 5 5 3 10 14 8 13 24 21 37 58
Now let us check the formula (3):
O = A + 4B + 6C + 4D + E Formula (3)
=3+4×2+6×1+4×9+5
= 3 + 8 + 6 + 36 + 5 = 58.

66
This result equals the number that we have found by adding
the numbers iteratively upwards as shown in figure-5.13.
This means that this formula directly gives us the number at
the topmost cell in a 5-row pyramid by using the numbers
in the bottom row of the pyramid.

♜Note: Did you know that you can also use the formula for
3-row in a 4-row pyramid? Please refer to Appendix-A (p.
78) for further details.

5.7 Example-3
In this example, We will solve a 5-row pyramid using formula
(3).

Figure-5.14: Example-3
We can follow a step-by-step approach to find the missing
numbers as described below:
✔ Step 1: Let us label the missing number in the bottom
row as x. We can write the following values from the
pyramid:
A B C D E O
3 5 x 7 -2 97

67
 Figure-5.15: Steps of solving the pyramid problem

✔ Step 2: Now we can use formula(3) to write the following

equations:
O = A + 4B + 6C + 4D +E (Formula (3))
97 = 3 + 4 × 5 + 6x + 4 × 7 - 2
97 = 3 + 20 + 6x + 28 - 2 = 6x + 49
97 = 97 - 49 = 48
48
x= =8
6

Figure-5.16: Steps for solving Example-3

✔ Step 3: Now can find the missing numbers as shown in
the table below:

68
 3+5=8
5 + 8 = 13
Row-1
8 + 7 = 15
7-2=5
8 + 13 = 21
Row-2 13 + 15 = 28
15 + 5 = 20
21 + 28 = 49
Row-3
20 + 28 = 48
49 + 48 = 97, which equals the number in the
Row-4 topmost cell, which proves that our
calculation is correct.
Did you notice that formula(3) helped to solve a 5-row
pyramid problem in a fewer number of steps? Now that we
have determined all the missing numbers in the pyramid,
we can show the completed pyramid in the next section.

5.7.1 Answer
The answer to the problem is shown in figure below:

Figure-5.17: Answer

69
♜Note: Did you know that you can also use the formulas
for 3-row and 4-row in a 5-row pyramid? Please refer to
Appendix-B (p. 80) for further details.

5.8 Summary
In the chapter, we discussed the formulas for solving 3-row,
4-row, and 5-row pyramids. These formulas help us to solve
pyramid problems in a fewer number of steps. We have also
provided the formula for a 6-row pyramid in Appendix-C (p.
82) We have provided a variety of problems in the Exercise
Section of the chapter. Readers are advised to practice with
these problems to learn the concepts discussed in the
chapter.

70
5.9 Exercises

Level-I
(i) (ii)

(iii) (iv)

(v) (vi)

71
(vii) (viii)

(ix) (x)

Level-II
(i) (ii)

72
(iii) (iv)

(v) (vi)

(vii) (viii)

73
(ix) (x)

(xi) (xii)

(xiii) (xiv)

74
(xv) (xvi)

(xvii) (xviii)

(xix) (xx)

75
(xxi) (xxii)

(xxiii) (xxiv)

76
 Section-I Appendix

In this section, we have given an example of 6-row

pyramid. We have also provided examples of how to use
different types of formulas in solving the pyramid

problems.

77
 (A) More on 4-Row Pyramids
In Chapter-5 (p.57), we have discussed the formula for
solving a 4-row pyramid.

Formula for 4-row: J = A + 3B + 3C + D

In this section, we will see how can we also use the formula
for 3-row in a 4-row pyramid.

Figure-A1: A 5-row pyramid

B.1 - Using Formula for 3-row

Example-1: Referring to figure-A1, we can write the
following formula:

H = A + 2B + C
Let us verify this:
H = A + 2B + C
=3+2×5+4
= 3 + 10 + 4
= 17, and this matches with the number in Cell-H.

78
Example-2: Similarly, we can write the following formula:

I = B + 2C + D
Let us verify this:
I = B + 2C + D
=5+2×4+5=5+8+5
= 18, and this matches with the number in Cell-I.
Example-3: Along the same line, we can write the
following formula:

J = E + 2F + G
Let us verify this:
J = E + 2F + G
=8+2×9+9
= 8 + 18 + 9
= 35, and this matches with the number in Cell-J

79
 (B) More on 5-Row Pyramids
In Chapter-5 (p.57), we have discussed the formula for
solving a 5-row pyramid.

Formula for 5-row: O = A + 4B + 6C + 4D + E

Figure-B1: A 5-row pyramid

In this section, we will see how can we use the formulas for
3-row and 4-row in a 5-row pyramid.

B.1 - Using Formula for 4-row

Example-1: Referring to figure-B1, we can write the
following formula:

O = F + 3G + 3H + I
Let us verify this:
O = F + 3G + 3H + 1
= 10 + 3 × 12 + 3 × 7 + 9 = 10 + 36 + 21 + 9
= 76, and this matches with the number in Cell-O.

80
Example-2: Similarly, we can write the following formula:

M = A + 3B + 3C + D
Let us verify this:
M = A + 3B + 3C + D
= 1 + 3 × 9 + 3 × 3 + 4 = 1 + 27 + 9 + 4
= 41, and this matches with the number in Cell-M.

B.1 - Using Formula for 3-row

Example-1: Referring to figure-B1, we can write the
following formula:

O = J + 2K + L
Let us verify this:
O = J + 2K + L
= 22 + 2 × 19 + 16
= 22 + 38 + 16
= 76, and this matches with the number in Cell-O.
Example-2: Referring to figure-B1, we can write the
following formula:

J = A + 2B + C
Let us verify this:
J = A + 2B + C
= 1 + 2 × 9 + 3 = 1 + 18 + 3
= 22, and this matches with the number in Cell-O.

81
 (C) Formula for a 6-Row Pyramid

In Chapter-5 (p.57), we have discussed formulas for 3-row,

4-row, and 5-row pyramids. In this section, we will discuss
the formula used for solving a 6-row pyramid.

Figure-C1: 6-row pyramid

As shown in the figure above, we have a pyramid with six

rows, which contains 21 numbers. These 21 numbers are
represented by symbols A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N, O,
P, Q, R, S, T, and U. We can write the following formula to
express the relation between the six numbers in the bottom
row (A, B, C, D, E, F) and the number in the topmost cell (U):

U = A + 5B + 10C + 10D + 5E + F (Formula -1)

Referring to figure-C1, we can write the value of each of the

cells of the pyramid in the table below:

82
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U
3 4 9 -4 3 1 7 13 5 -1 4 20 18 4 3 38 22 7 60 29 89

Let us verify the formula-1 :

U = A + 5B + 10C + 10D + 5E + F
= 3 + 5 × 4 + 10 × 9 + 10 × (-4) + 5 × 3 + 1
= 3 + 20 + 90 - 40 + 15 + 1 = 89
This result matches with the number in the topmost cell of
the pyramid in figure-C1, which was calculated by adding
the numbers iteratively in the upwards. This means that we
can now directly calculate the number in the topmost cell of
the pyramid using the numbers in the bottom row by using
this formula. Did you notice that we can also use the
formulas for 3-row, 4-row, and 5-row by choosing the cells
appropriately? Let us review a few examples:

C.1 - Using Formula for 5-row

Example-1: Referring to figure-C1, we can write the
following formula:

S = A + 4B + 6C + 4D + E
Let us verify this:
S = A + 4B + 6C + 4D + E
= 3 + 4 × 4 + 6 × 9 + 4 × (-4) + 3
= 3 + 16 + 54 -16 + 3 = 60.
This matches with the number in Cell-S.

83
Example-2: Similarly, we can write the following formula:

T = B + 4C + 6D + 4E + F
Let us verify this:
T = B + 4C + 6D + 4E + F
= 4 + 4 × 9 + 6 × (-4) + 4 × 3 + 1
= 4 + 36 - 24 + 12 + 1 = 29
This result matches with the number in Cell-T.

C.2 - Using Formula for 4-row

Example-1: Referring to figure-C1, we can write the
following formula:

U = L + 3M + 3N + O
Let us verify this:
U = L + 3M + 3N + O
= 20 + 3 × 18 + 3 × 4 + 3
= 20 + 54 + 12 + 3 = 89
This result matches with the number in Cell-U.
Example-2: Similarly, we can write the following formula:

T = H + 3I + 3J + K
Let us verify this:
T = H + 3I + 3J + K
= 13 + 3 × 5 + 3 × (-1) + 4
= 13 + 15 -3 + 4 = 29
This result matches with the number in Cell-T.

84
C.3 - Using Formula for 3-row
Example-1: Referring to figure-C1, we can write the
following formula:

L = A + 2B + C
Let us verify this:
L = A + 2B + C
=3+2×4+9
= 3 + 8 + 9 = 20.
This result matches with the number in Cell-L.
Example-2: Similarly, we can write the following formula:

R = I + 2J + K
Let us verify this:
R = I + 2J + K
= 5 + 2 × (-1) + 4
= 5 -2 + 4 = 7.
This result matches with the number in Cell-R.

85
(D) Formula for The Higher Number of Rows
To solve a pyramid problem with higher number of rows,
you should first learn how to derive the formulas we have
discussed in the book. The discussion the topic is beyond
the scope of the book. However, you can refer to any one of
the Logitica books listed below learn about this topic.

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1793423830

86
 Section-II Answers

This section contains answers to Level-I

and Level-II questions provided in the
exercise section of each chapter in the
book.

87
Chapter 1 - Number Pyramid

Level-I
(i) (ii)

(iii) (iv)

(v) (vi)

88
(vii) (viii)

(ix) (x)

Level-II
(i) (ii)

89
(iii) (iv)

(v) (vi)

(vii) (viii)

90
 (x)
(ix)

Chapter 2 - Simple Equation

Level-I
(1) 5
(2) 3
(3) 5
(4) 7
(5) 6

Level-II
(1) 10
(2) 3
(3) -20
(4) 5
(5) 2

91
Chapter 3 - Solving a Simple Pyramid
Level-I

(i) (ii)

(iii) (iv)

(v) (vi)

92
(vii) (viii)

(ix) (x)

Level-II
(i) (ii)

93
(iii) (iv)

(v) (vi)

(vii) (viii)

94
(ix) (x)

Chapter 4 - More Number Pyramids

Level-I
(i) (ii)

(iii) (iv)

95
(v) (vi)

(vii) (viii)

(ix) (x)

96
Level-II
(i) (ii)

(iii) (iv)

(v) (vi)

97
(vii) (viii)

(ix) (x)

(xi) (xii)

98
Chapter 5 - Formulas for Solving Pyramid
Problems
Level-I

(i) (ii)

(iii) (iv)

99
(v) (vi)

(vii) (viii)

(ix) (x)

100
Level-II
(i) (ii)

(iii) (iv)

(v) (vi)

101
(vii) (viii)

(ix) (x)

(xi) (xii)

102
(xiii) (xiv)

(xv) (xvi)

(xvii) (xviii)

103
(xix) (xx)

(xxi) (xxii)

(xxiii) (xxiv)

104