New, unique Math Puzzler for September

Mr. Math Puzzler decided to use some new and unique puzzlers for September. That's a good way to start the new school year.

With the 2003-2004 school year started, you might think you've already had enough regular math classes. You might tell yourself you don't want to see another math problem.

But, Mr. Math Puzzler, who is math teacher Wayne Hesse of Green Park Lutheran School, has dreamt up some problems that can be fun. And, remember, you don't have to worry about a grade with these.

But, Young Saint Louis.com has designed a type of competition. If you get all six Puzzlers right, we'll publish your name among the winners in next month's YSL.com edition.

In addition, the names of all winners go into a drawing where up to three kids can win $10 Borders book certificates.

This edition marks the start of the third year of Math Puzzlers. YSL.com started the feature in September, 2001.

If this is your first time with the Math Puzzlers, you might like to review past questions and answers to find out how Mr. Math Puzzler thinks.

Using the Past Stories tab on the home page, pick a past issue of YSL.com since September, 2001. That way, you can use past stories to review previous questions and answers. The answers to one month's questions are included in the next month's edition.

(For instance, to see the August, 2003, questions and answers, click here.)

When you think you're ready, come back to this September edition and try your luck.

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
   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 September, 2003, Math Puzzler Contest:

Name: ________________________________ Age: _______

Address: ____________________ School: _______________

City:____________________, State:______ ZIP___________

Contact phone no.(____)____________________

The Math Puzzlers
(September, 2003)

1. Adam and Betty Brown and Charles and Dolores White were having dinner at a restaurant. During dinner, they discussed their weights. Adam said, "I weigh 60 pounds more than Betty." Charles said, "I weigh 40 pounds more than Dolores." Then Adam said, "Together, Betty and I weigh 40 pounds more than you and Dolores." Together the Browns and Whites weight 720 pounds. How much does each person weigh?

 

Answer: _______________

 

2. There are 10 bags of silver coins. Each bag contains a different number of coins of 15 or more. One of the bags contains all counterfeit coins which look exactly like the others but each one weighs 1 gram less than the real ones. Each real coin weighs 10 grams. Using a scale only once, can you determine which bag contains the counterfeit coins?

 

Answer: _____________

 

3. While talking at a barber shop the other day, several old-timers were discussing how tough things were in the Depression days of the 1930s. In the early days of the motion picture industry, to stimulate business during the Depression, tickets for adult admissions were 25 cents and children's tickets were only a dime. With each children's ticket, a free lollipop was given to each child. On one particular evening, the ticket seller reports that he sold exactly 300 tickets and took in $55.65. How many free lollipops were given out that night?

 

Answer: _____________

 

4. Assume that the earth is a perfect sphere and that you have a long belt stretched tightly around the equator which is 24,900 miles long. How much length would you have to add to the belt to raise it one foot away from the surface of the earth all the way around?

 

Answer: _____________

 

5. George now has $1,066.41 in an account at his bank at 8% annual interest rate compounded quarterly. How much money did he have six months ago?

 

Answer: _____________

 

6. Divide this polygon in four smaller polygons of equal size and shape.

 

Answer: _____________