Split #36 — the solution

The three rounds from November 4, 2026: twelve numbers each, split into four groups of three that add to the target — the one way each round allows, with its decoys and where the reasoning starts.

Round 1 — target 32

The numbers: 20, 3, 15, 19, 14, 2, 7, 17, 13, 9, 4, 5. 3 decoys.

The groups: 20 + 7 + 5, 3 + 15 + 14, 19 + 9 + 4, 2 + 17 + 13.

The decoys — triples that add to 32 but are not in the answer: 20 + 3 + 9; 15 + 13 + 4; 14 + 13 + 5.

Where to start: 19, 2, 7 and 17 sit in only one on-target triple, so their groups are certain — start there.

Round 2 — target 34

The numbers: 15, 18, 7, 20, 2, 6, 3, 19, 12, 8, 17, 9. 5 decoys.

The groups: 15 + 2 + 17, 18 + 7 + 9, 20 + 6 + 8, 3 + 19 + 12.

The decoys — triples that add to 34 but are not in the answer: 15 + 7 + 12; 7 + 19 + 8; 20 + 2 + 12; 6 + 19 + 9; 8 + 17 + 9.

Where to start: 18 and 3 sit in only one on-target triple, so their groups are certain — start there.

Round 3 — target 32

The numbers: 13, 12, 15, 2, 9, 7, 10, 16, 6, 20, 4, 14. 6 decoys.

The groups: 13 + 15 + 4, 12 + 6 + 14, 2 + 10 + 20, 9 + 7 + 16.

The decoys — triples that add to 32 but are not in the answer: 13 + 12 + 7; 13 + 9 + 10; 12 + 16 + 4; 15 + 7 + 10; 2 + 16 + 14; 10 + 16 + 6.

Where to start: 20 sits in only one on-target triple, so its group is certain — start there.

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About Split

Split is Noggin’s number puzzle, on the second shelf: twelve numbers into four groups of three, three rounds a day, outside the daily line-up. How to play Split, or play today’s.