Mr. Math Puzzler has come up with a wide variety of math questions for April. All of them can be solved by various types of basic formulas and "educational guessing." .

As he did last month, Mr. Math Puzzler--teacher Wayne Hesse of Green Park Lutheran School--has made the puzzlers somewhat less demanding than in previous months.

That's because Young Saint Louis.com wants to test your math skills but also wants you to have some fun.

But, these questions aren't that easy. They will still test your math skills.

Each month, YSL.com publishes a series of six Math Puzzlers. We make a little competition out of it. These Puzzlers can be a family activity.

The more fun you have with math, the easier math concepts will be to learn.

Remember, if you think a Puzzler can be answered two ways, you can print out two different entry blanks. That way you can give one answer on one entry and the other on the other.

There's no limit on the number of entries from one person or family team. Multiple answers might improve your chances of winning.

Also, multiple entries may help you qualify for our EXTRA BONUS. Remember, all entries with six correct answers are put into a hat and up to three will get $10 Border's book certificates. (YSL.com likes to award those book certificates.)

Submit your answers to this April contest by using the form below. In May, we'll publish names of those who answered all questions correctly. We'll also include explanations of the answers. (For March winners and answers, click here.)

A reminder: Although these Math Puzzlers are a little easier, they are still quite challenging, especially for younger kids. Remember, we don't mind if you get help from a parent or older brother or sister. In fact, you might want to make this a family activity.

Here's how to enter:

1. Print out the following entry form.
2. Fill out your name, address and telephone number.
3. Give your answers to the six Math Puzzlers.
4. Put your completed entry into a stamped envelope.
5. Mail your entry to:
   
   Math Puzzler Contest
   Young Saint Louis.com
   7733 Forsyth Blvd., Suite 350
   Clayton, MO 63105
   
   
6. All entries must be postmarked by the 15th of the month to be eligible for a book prize.

----------Clip here to make entry----------

Entry for April, 2002, Math Puzzler Contest:

Name: _____________________________________

Address: ___________________________________

City:_____________________, State:______ ZIP___________

Contact phone no.(____)____________________

The Math Puzzlers
(April, 2002)

1. If you built a rectangular pyramid with the bottom being a square, using ping-pong balls, how many ping-pong balls would there be in a pyramid with seven layers with only one ball at the top?

Answer:_____________

 

2. A woman turned to her friend and said, "Three years from now, I'll be three times as old as I was 27 years ago. How old is the woman now?

Answer:_____________

 

3. If you have a full glass of water and pour out half, then pour back in half of what you poured out, pour out a third of what you now have and pour back in a third of a glass, what fraction of the glass is full?

Answer:_____________

 

4. See if you can determine the logic needed to provide the missing numbers in the last circle.

 

Answer:______________

 

5. A picture frame that usually sells for $50 is on sale for 5% off. If a 5% sales tax were added to the sale price, what amount would be owed?

Answer:______________

 

6. Four friends--Dave, Mike, John and Terry--are nicknamed Stick, Batman, Atomic Head and Feaser, but not in that order. What is the nickname of each?

a. John is faster than Batman, but not as strong as Atomic Head
b. Batman is stronger than Terry, but slower than Feaser.
c. Dave is faster than both John and Stick, but not as strong as Batman.

Answer:______________