Number Pattern Puzzle

[Amethyst]

This puzzle is from a set that I found in the cruise ship library. Nobody seemed to have the answer key.

What do y'all make of it? I'm fully prepared to feel humiliation that I was unable to work it out myself

 

[Car-Guy]

Numbers is hard.

 

[Jerry1]

My guess is 4.

The first circle lower half is = to the lower number above. The second circle lower half I’d equal to the higher number above. The third circle lower half is half of the lower number above. So I’m guessing that the lower half of the fourth circle should be half of the higher number above. Four.

But, without a key, how will we ever know?

 

[eeyore]

I'm voting 7

Multiply the 2 top numbers, then add the digits -
The first circle: 6*7=42 => 4+2=6

 

[Lakedog]

Another option could be 1.

The first circle lower half = upper left,
the second circle lower half = upper right,
the third circle lower half = 1/2 of upper left
the fourth circle lower half = 1/2 of upper right (so 1).

 

[njhowie]

I'm voting 7

Multiply the 2 top numbers, then add the digits -
The first circle: 6*7=42 => 4+2=6

Wow! Winner, winner, chicken dinner. Looks good to me.

 

[The Cosmic Avenger]

I'm voting 7

Multiply the 2 top numbers, then add the digits -
The first circle: 6*7=42 => 4+2=6

I agree, that's what I came up with before I read the replies.

 

[walkinwood]

I'm voting 7

Multiply the 2 top numbers, then add the digits -
The first circle: 6*7=42 => 4+2=6

That's my vote too! Same reasoning.

 

[Car-Guy]

I agree, that's what I came up with before I read the replies.

I agree, that's the number I came up with AFTER I read the replies...

 

[Amethyst]

Yes! I got as far as 42 27 20 (top lines) but didn't think to add those numbers together. Number patterns never jump out at me the way word patterns do. Thanks!!

 

[Amethyst]

I'm even worse at those "which set of shapes is next" puzzles.

 

[Car-Guy]

I'll stick with Sudoku.... I can do "most" of those.

 

[steelyman]

It’s good they gave a hint by placing the per-circle result on the bottom semicircle. Could be harder if they hadn’t (I didn’t get it regardless).

[ADDED] They could have placed the missing number on top too (rather than the bottom). No idea if that would produce multiple solutions - easier to wait and see what the whiz kids post.