I hate word problems! Why in the world would someone want to know what time it will be in Schenectady when two trains crash in Nevada??
A “friend” sent me a math problem yesterday. It took me three tries, but I finally got it right. Did I mention it’s a FIFTH GRADE math problem??
I was so pleased that I sent it to my entire family and one unsuspecting friend! *G* When you get the number right, you are able to open a spreadsheet that comes with the word problem. At that point, you can add your name to the list of people who have successfully opened the spreadsheet.
My brother, who is an electrical engineer, wrote back to me, right away, and said “I didn’t see your name on the spreadsheet.” I told him that I’d gotten the number right (shared it with him to prove it! *G*) but I didn’t have a clue about how to add my name to the list. At least I can do fifth grade math!
Here’s the math problem. See how YOU do at it:
This is a 5th grade math problem. If you can’t stand word math problems, just delete now. If you can open the spreadsheet, you’ll see it’s a very small list of people who have gotten the correct number. This is not a trick question. This is a real math problem, so don’t say that a bus has no legs.
There are 7 girls in a bus
Each girl has 7 backpacks
In each backpack, there are 7 big cats
For every big cat there are 7 little cats
Question: How many legs are there in the bus?
The number of legs is the password to unlock the Excel sheet. If you open it, add your name and send it on to see who else can unlock it.
MathProblem.xls
I hope I’ve managed to include the file for the spreadsheet. If not…e-mail me, and I’ll send it to you.
Have fun!