order of operations

Puzzle Answer: Fruity Prices

by Tom Chlebowski on April 14, 2010

in Puzzles

Post image for Puzzle Answer: Fruity Prices

Our fruit vendor sets his prices according to the number of vowels and consonants in the name of the fruit. For each vowel, the price of the fruit is raised $0.07, and for each consonant, the price is raised $0.03. In the form of an algebraic expression, his method looks like this:

Price = $0.07v + $0.03c

The number of vowels in any given fruit name is represented by the variable v, and the number of consonants is represented by the variable c. It’s an unusual method for determining prices, surely, but maybe the vendor is a math nerd and can’t help it. :)

Since even the best at math make mistakes, let’s check his numbers. A banana has three vowels and three consonants. Let’s plug those numbers into the equation:

Price = $0.07(3) + $0.03(3)

Multiply first, and then add, according to order of operations:

Price = $0.21 + $0.09
Price = $0.30

He got his price right! While we’re at it, let’s offer to write in his price for a pomegranate. What will it be? We have to solve our equation with v equal to 5 and c equal to 6, corresponding with the number of vowels and consonants in the word “pomegranate:”

Price = $0.07(5) + $0.03(6)
Price = $0.35 + $0.18
Price = $0.53

So each pomegranate costs $0.53. For your effort, the vendor gives you one for free. Enjoy!

{ 0 comments }

Puzzle (and answer): Time Equations

by Josh Salcman March 30, 2010 Puzzles
Thumbnail image for Puzzle (and answer): Time Equations

Okay, so we let this one slide a bit. Sorry about that. This puzzle was originally published quite a while back, and we never got around to posting the answers. Time to correct our mistake. First, a reminder of the rules… Here are the rules. You must find an equation with the given numbers; inequalities would [...]

Read the full article →

Puzzle: Time Equations

by Josh Salcman February 20, 2010 Puzzles

If you enjoy playing games with math, the way we do, you’ll see numerical relationships everywhere.  For example, when turning to page 64 in a book, you might note the number 64 as a perfect square, a perfect cube, and a number which has many factors.  A fun way to project math on the world around [...]

Read the full article →