Math Is Fun Forum

Nikkiman123

Member

Registered: 2010-10-28

Posts: 5

Great Picnic Puzzle (Sam Lloyd Puzzle on the forum) on this site..

Can anyone tell me how to set the problem up? When they started on the great annual picnic every wagon in town was pressed into service. Half way to the picnic ten wagons broke down, so it was necessary for each of the remaining wagons to carry one more person. When they started for home it was discovered that 15 more wagons were out of commission, so on the return trip there were three persons more in each wagon than when they started out in the morning. Who can tell how many people attended the picnic?

Last edited by Nikkiman123 (2010-10-28 02:03:08)

bobbym

bumpkin

From: Bumpkinland

Registered: 2009-04-12

Posts: 109,606

Re: Great Picnic Puzzle (Sam Lloyd Puzzle on the forum) on this site..

Hi Nikkiman123;

This problem is right here complete with the correct answer.

http://www.mathsisfun.com/puzzles/great … ution.html

This is how I do it.

You have 3 variables:

n is the number of people riding.

p is the number of people per wagon.

w is the number of wagons.

You form the 3 x 3 non linear set of simultaneous equations

The solution of this 3 x 3 is not as tough as it looks. It immediately reduces down to a 2 x 2 linear set.

Solving you get p = 9 and w = 100 so n = pw = 900.

There were 900 people 100 wagons and 9 in a wagon to start.

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In mathematics, you don't understand things. You just get used to them.
If it ain't broke, fix it until it is.
Always satisfy the Prime Directive of getting the right answer above all else.

Nikkiman123

Member

Registered: 2010-10-28

Posts: 5

Re: Great Picnic Puzzle (Sam Lloyd Puzzle on the forum) on this site..

Thanks for that!! Still can't make it come out to the answer that was given in the solution. Any help??

Nikkiman123

Member

Registered: 2010-10-28

Posts: 5

Re: Great Picnic Puzzle (Sam Lloyd Puzzle on the forum) on this site..

Got it thank you!!!!!! See it!!!

bobbym

bumpkin

From: Bumpkinland

Registered: 2009-04-12

Posts: 109,606

Re: Great Picnic Puzzle (Sam Lloyd Puzzle on the forum) on this site..

Hi;

Your welcome and welcome to the forum!

---

In mathematics, you don't understand things. You just get used to them.
If it ain't broke, fix it until it is.
Always satisfy the Prime Directive of getting the right answer above all else.