I have just seen another "answer"

FULL AND PROPER STEP BY STEP ALGEBRA:
L = planes to the left
R = planes to the right
L+R=8
Set it up [algebra is fun]:
[L * R] +3 = [L+3] * [R-3] --> NOW SUB IN "8-L" WHEREVER YOU SEE "R":
L[8-L] + 3 = [L+3] * [8-L-3]
8L - L^2 + 3 = [L+3] * [5 - L]
8L - L^2 + 3 = 5L - L^2 +15 - 3L
8L - L^2 + 3 = 2L - L^2 + 15
8L + 3 = 2L + 15
6L = 12
L = 2
SO WE CONCLUDE THAT IN THE ACTUAL FORMATION HE WAS #3. 2*6=12. HAD HE BEEN #6, THE MATH IS 5*3=15
12+3=15


...which puts me clearly in the sheep class.. Not only do I not follow it, the explanation of the position I believe is wrong, or is it?