Need help from a math/logic enthusiast.

[Supormom]

My duaghter asked for help with her math assignment, and there's one problem that I have not been able to figure out:

Figure out the pattern in the first three examples and use it to figure out the last.
a,c,d (8)
d,e,f (15)
a,a,f (8)
f,a,b (?)

I hope this isn't a "Duh, how did I miss that!" kind of question. Thanks.

[proud2BlibKansan]

1. What do the numbers

in parentheses mean?

[Supormom]

2. I don't know.

That's what I am trying to figure out.

[Kellanved]

3. ok

a(1) + c(3) + d(4)= 8
d(4) + e(5) + f(6)= 15
...
f(6) + a(1) + b(2) = 9

[proud2BlibKansan]

5. AHA

I think you got it.

[Supormom]

7. Thanks for the help.

:toast:
Much appreciated.

[nicolemrw]

4. check the numerical values of the letters

a = 1, b = 2 etc.

[sans qualia]

6. It looks like a simple alphanumeric substitution

Each letter is replaced with the number corresponding to its place in the alphabet (a=1, b=2, etc.) and then the numbers are added. So f,a,b = 6+1+2=9.