Re: [MATHEDCC] Marilyn Does it Again

Abraham S. Mantell (mantell@polar.sunynassau.edu)
Sat, 28 Aug 1999 22:08:03 -0400 (EDT)

Yes, this is a great problem...however, once again her explanation leaves
something to be desired. Rather than explain why the answer is correct
(i.e. checking once you have the answer), it would be more enlightening
if she expained HOW one can deduce the correct result!

Anyhow, I nice problem indeed!

Abe Mantell

mantell@sunynassau.edu

>
> In this week's Marilyn Vos Savant is a good flurry of letters on this
> problem.
>
> Say that cucumbers are on sale, so you buy 100 pounds of them at your
> local market. The cucumbers are 99% water. Some days later, they dry out
> to 98% water. How much do they weigh now?
>
> Sounds like a great problem for discussion groups in a math fundamentals
> class. And a place where a little algebra might go a long weigh.
>
> Phil Mahler
> Middlesex CC
> Bedford, MA
****************************************************************************
* To post to the list: email mathedcc@archives.math.utk.edu *
* To unsubscribe, send mail to: majordomo@archives.math.utk.edu *
* In the mail message, enter ONLY the words: unsubscribe mathedcc *
* Words in the Subject: line are NOT processed! *
* Archives at http://archives.math.utk.edu/hypermail/mathedcc/ *
****************************************************************************