Each month, a new set of puzzles will be posted. Come back next month for the solutions and a new set of puzzles, or subscribe to have them sent directly to you.
Puzzle OneIn two years time my age will be three times the age of my son was two years ago. Three years ago my age was twice the age of my same son will be in three years time. How old are we both? |
Puzzle TwoThere are 10 points equally spaced around the circle with interconnecting lines drawn between them.
|
Puzzle ThreeThe missing numbers are between 0 & 9. The numbers in each row add up to the totals on the right, and the columns add up to the totals along the bottom. The sums of the diagonals are also given. Find the missing numbers? (Note: there may be more than one solution for each of these puzzles.)
|
Feedback
There are more than one way of doing these puzzles and may well be more than one answer. Please let me and others know what alternatives you find by commenting below. We also welcome general comments on the subject and any feedback you'd like to give.
If you have a question that needs a response from me or you would like to contact me privately, please use the contact form.
Get more puzzles!
If you've enjoyed doing the puzzles, consider ordering the books;
- Book One - 150+ of the best puzzles
- Book Two - 200+ with new originals and more of your favourites
Both in a handy pocket sized format. Click here for full details.
Last month's solutions
Puzzle One
The price of an item was increased by 25% and later decreased by 25%, which makes the price of the item $375. What was the original price?
Solution:
Let p = the original price
Then, 1.25 x 0.75 x p = 375
p = £400
Puzzle Two
If 3/4 is Peter’s salary is equal to 2/4 of Mary’s salary. What is Peter’s salary if Mary’s salary is £120,000?
Solution:
Let: Peter’s Salary = p
Then, ¾ x p = ½ x 120,000
p = 4/3 x 60,000 = £80,000
Puzzle Three
418 marbles are initially shared among three kids A, B and C. A got half the amount of C’s share which is 3 times B’s share. If A now wins 35 marbles from B and loses 8 marbles to B in a game of marbles how many marbles do each now have?
Answer: A ends up with 141 marbles, B ends up with 84 marbles, and C has 193 marbles
Solution:
Let x = C’s share
Givens:
A’s share = 1/2 of C’s share, so A’s share = x/2
C’s share = x = 3 x B’s share, so B’s share = x/3
418 = A + B + C = x/2 + x/3 + x = (11/6)(x)
Therefore:
x = (418)(6/11) = (38)(6) = 228 (or C’s share)
B’s share = x/3 = 228/3 = 76 marbles
A’s share = x/2 = 228/2 = 114 marbles
A + B + C = 114 + 76 + 228 = 418
If A now wins 35 marbles from C, but loses 8 marbles to B, then
A now has 114 + 35 – 8 = 141 marbles
B now has 76 + 8 = 84 marbles and
C now has 228 – 35 = 193 marbles
Checking answers, A + B + C = 141 + 84 + 193 = 418
Puzzle Four
There is a three-digit number. The second digit is four times as big as the third digit (no zeros) while the first digit is three less than the second digit. What is the three-digit number?
Answer: 582
Solution:
Let:
x = 1st single digit number
y = 2nd single digit number
z = 3rd single digit number
n = total 3-digit number where no two digits are the same or zero.
Given:
a) 100x + 10y + z = n
b) y = 4z
c) x = y – 3
d) z <= 3 (or 0, 1, 2, or 3)
z can = 1 or 2 but not = 0 or 3 because of step b) and y must be a single digit non zero.
If z = 1, then y = 4 from step b) and x = 1 from step c); x & z can not be the same value or 1)
Therefore, z = 2, then y = 8 from step b), x = 5 from step c) and n = 582 per step a).
Great maths puzzles this month Mr. Burgin. Good thing I’m up for the challenge. Keep ’em coming!
Happy Holidays,
Kim Barber
It is very comforting to see that others are suffering from the same problem as you, wow!
Thank you so much!
Thanks for thr great article!
Thank you so much!
Thank you so much!
Thanks for thr great article!
It is very comforting to see that others are suffering from the same problem as you, wow!
It is very comforting to see that others are suffering from the same problem as you, wow!