This problem can be read like a story and a series of questions asked of the children. These might focus on recall of the information, inferences, guess, estimations etc.

For example:

Who is the eldest friend?
What are the possible ages Saxon could be if his age is and even number?
What is the age difference between the oldest and youngest friend?
Who do you think might be the youngest? Why?
How old is Mel if she is half of the combined ages of Cherri and Saxon?

Before the matrix is introduced as an organising tool, it is valuable to allow the children to create their own method of keeping track of the information. This allows for a critical discussion of effective and efficient ways of sifting clues.