February Math Puzzlers have variety

Mr. Math Puzzler has thrown a little bit of everything into his February puzzlers. There are snow shovels, a delivery cart, a knight and even a visual problem.

Some of the questions look simple and could be hard. Some look hard but could be simple.

But, unlike last month, each of the Math Puzzlers are separate. Remember, in January, there were two questions with the same characters. And part of the math from one question figured in the answer for the next.

In January, there were six kids who got all the Puzzlers correct. (For a listing of the winners as well as a look at the January answers, click here.)

Young Saint Louis.com likes it when kids who enter the Math Puzzler competition get the correct answers. We get to list the winners the following month. We also give out up to three $10 Borders gift certificates as an extra bonus.

Before you try the February questions below, you might check the past questions and answers. That way, you'll learn how Mr. Math Puzzler thinks.

YSL.com started the Math Puzzlers in September, 2001. To check past questions, go to the Past Stories tab at the top of the home page. Click on any month since September, 2001, and you first can check questions and then the answers. (The answers to one month's questions are available in the next month's edition.)

Now, you should be ready for the February contest.

A reminder: These Math Puzzlers can be 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
   231 So. Bemiston Ave., Suite 800 (This is a new address)
   Clayton, MO 63105
   
   
6. All entries must be postmarked by the 15th of the month to be eligible.

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

Entry for February, 2003, Math Puzzler Contest:

Name: _______________________________ Age: _______

Address: __________________ School: ________________

City:____________________, State:______ ZIP__________

Contact phone no.(____)____________________

The Math Puzzlers
(February, 2003)

1. Which of the following is the odd word out? The difference has nothing to do with letters or syllables.

cube     square     pyramid     sphere

Answer:_______________

 

2. The store owner didn't want to be left with any snow shovels after winter. A shovel that originally cost $40 was reduced by 20% on January 1. On February 1, he reduced the price 50%. What is the present price of a snow shovel?

Answer:_____________

 

3. Every day a cart is sent from a village to meet a barge at the river dock. One day, the barge arrived early and the cargo normally picked up by the cart was immediately sent toward the village by horse. The cart driver left the village at the usual time and met the rider along the way, after the rider had traveled for 8 minutes. The rider handed the load to the cart driver, who went back to the village, arriving home 24 minutes earlier than usual. How many minutes early was the barge? (Be careful.)

Answer:_____________

 

4. A knight has ridden one-third the total distance of his trip when his horse becomes lame. He finished the journey on foot, spending twenty times as long walking as he had spent riding. How many times faster was his riding speed than his walking speed? (Hints: Draw a diagram. Put in some values to test your theory.)

Answer:______________

 

5. "How old are you, Professor Smith?" asked one of his brighter students.
     The professor answered with a riddle, "I am three times my son's age, and my father's age is four years more than twice my age. Together the three of us are a mere 124 years old."
     How old is Professor Smith?

Answer:______________

 

6. Can you uncover the logic used to place each of the numbers below? If so, what number should be placed at the question mark?

Answer:______________