Transformation of sentence

[Tan Elaine]

Despite his attempts at solving the algebra equation, Joan failed.

1. Try as he did / might, Joan failed to solve the algebra equation.

2. Try as he did / might at solving the algebra equation, Joan failed.

a) Should I use 'did' or 'might'?
b) Which is the correct sentence in transforming the sentence in bold?

Thanks.

[5jj]

1. Try as he might, Joan failed to solve the algebra equation.

That's the closest. Incidentally, 'Joan' is normally a woman's name.

[Tan Elaine]

1. Try as he might, Joan failed to solve the algebra equation.

That's the closest. Incidentally, 'Joan' is normally a woman's name.

Thanks, Fivejedjon. Just to confirm: Try as he did... Am I correct to conclude that 'did' cannot be used in the sentence at all?

[5jj]

Thanks, Fivejedjon. Just to confirm: Try as he did... Am I correct to conclude that 'did' cannot be used in the sentence at all?

You are right, in my opinion.