Author Topic: Simple Algebra Conundrum (Read 742 times)

BlckMgk · « **on:** January 11, 2006, 10:19:39 PM »

Was working with my niece and she gave me this algebra puzzle, thought it was pretty fun.

8k - 5n = 8r
2u + o = 108
2m + 10d = 3c
5L + 4m = 23b
3r - m = 3u
3k - 4i = 2i
3n - 3o = c
2o + 3c = 33d
3n - 7d = 10m
2d + 2e = 3b
9n - 9r = 8i
6b + 3c = 14m
4y - 2m = 6u

L + e + n + n + y + c + o + n + u + n + d + r + u + m = ???

-Draco

Golfer · « **Reply #1 on:** January 11, 2006, 10:53:20 PM »

uhhhhhh...what?

bustr · « **Reply #2 on:** January 12, 2006, 12:48:27 AM »

Lenny Conundrum

Has she come home with the test that starts: Read the following, sign your name and bring the test back to the teacher?

It has a list of actions that starts with:

1. Get up and walk once around your seat.
2. Go to the teacher and whisper I understand.
3.
4.
5....and so on......

About 75-85% of the class always performs each action as its read. Then signs the test and returns it to the teacher. The rest reads the numbered actions, signs and returns the test.

Very good reading comprehension test for 6th and 7th graders.

lasersailor184 · « **Reply #3 on:** January 12, 2006, 01:31:35 AM »

This is really simple. I can plug it into my calculator and have it solved in 5 minutes.

AWMac · « **Reply #4 on:** January 12, 2006, 01:37:24 AM »

Quote

Originally posted by bustr
Lenny Conundrum

Has she come home with the test that starts: Read the following, sign your name and bring the test back to the teacher?

It has a list of actions that starts with:

1. Get up and walk once around your seat.
2. Go to the teacher and whisper I understand.
3.
4.
5....and so on......

About 75-85% of the class always performs each action as its read. Then signs the test and returns it to the teacher. The rest reads the numbered actions, signs and returns the test.

Very good reading comprehension test for 6th and 7th graders.

BINGO!!!!

Bustr nailed this one. Nice to see Parents active in their childrens education.

Cudos Bustr.

Mac

lasersailor184 · « **Reply #5 on:** January 12, 2006, 01:56:36 AM »

Well, you tricked me. (Though I could plug all this into my calculator and literally figure out the answer.) I never knew that this had a name. Then again, it was only 10 years ago when my 5th grade teacher played this exact same prank on me.

I wouldn't say it's a reading comprehension test, but rather a "Following the rules test." Most children dive right into following all of the things set out that they forget to read the introduction to the test. They don't realize (as I didn't) that there is more to every test then the questions.

Schatzi · « **Reply #6 on:** January 12, 2006, 03:20:26 AM »

Ok, obviously i dont get it for cultural reference.

What/who is Lenny Conundrum?

PS: froma mathematicl POV you 'could solve the equations, theres more equations than variables. But obviously thats *not* the purpose of the test.

moot · « **Reply #7 on:** January 12, 2006, 08:03:30 AM »

The instructions are to read, sign, and return the paper, not act out the items.

majic · « **Reply #8 on:** January 12, 2006, 10:19:45 AM »

Did I miss some trick? I'm confused.

Golfer · « **Reply #9 on:** January 12, 2006, 10:53:52 AM »

I'm lost on the first post? Is the idea solve for the variables and then add them together in the order of the word?

FiLtH · « **Reply #10 on:** January 12, 2006, 04:01:27 PM »

I never liked math. To me algebra was like that commercial on the radio.

A train is heading west at 50 mph, another train is heading north at 40 mph. What time will the 1st train reach Seattle?

Answer: 3:00 pm

To me the answer always just seemed like an answer..without actually answering anything. I always tried to overthink the stuff.