Name: Denise

Who is asking: Student
Level: All

Question:
Arrange the following numerals in two groups of four each so that each group will add to give the same sum. 1 2 3 4 5 7 8 9

The sum of all eight numbers is 39. Hence if you arrange the eight numbers into 2 groups of four as you describe then the sum of each of the 2 groups of four is  ³⁹/₂. This is clearly impossible and hence the arrangement you are seeking is impossible.

The best you can do is to use these numbers as digits, such as 91 + 32 = 78 + 45