Split #38 — the solution

The three rounds from November 6, 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: 6, 17, 7, 18, 5, 14, 2, 13, 9, 3, 15, 19. 2 decoys.

The groups: 6 + 7 + 19, 17 + 2 + 13, 18 + 5 + 9, 14 + 3 + 15.

The decoys — triples that add to 32 but are not in the answer: 6 + 17 + 9; 5 + 14 + 13.

Where to start: 7, 18, 2, 3, 15 and 19 sit in only one on-target triple, so their groups are certain — start there.

Round 2 — target 35

The numbers: 3, 10, 12, 20, 19, 17, 16, 15, 4, 2, 13, 9. 5 decoys.

The groups: 3 + 17 + 15, 10 + 16 + 9, 12 + 19 + 4, 20 + 2 + 13.

The decoys — triples that add to 35 but are not in the answer: 3 + 12 + 20; 3 + 19 + 13; 10 + 12 + 13; 17 + 16 + 2; 16 + 15 + 4.

Where to start: 9 sits in only one on-target triple, so its group is certain — start there.

Round 3 — target 28

The numbers: 13, 3, 8, 12, 4, 6, 7, 16, 9, 14, 1, 19. 6 decoys.

The groups: 13 + 14 + 1, 3 + 6 + 19, 8 + 4 + 16, 12 + 7 + 9.

The decoys — triples that add to 28 but are not in the answer: 13 + 3 + 12; 13 + 8 + 7; 13 + 6 + 9; 3 + 16 + 9; 8 + 6 + 14; 8 + 1 + 19.

Where to start: 4 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.