The Johnson family's discoveries regarding classical education

May. 3, 2006

A Number Riddle

This is from the book, The Man Who Counted It seems the story teller is traveling with this "Counting Man" who is astounding at anything related to numbers and calculations.  They are both riding on one camel when they come upon three quarreling men.  The three men explain that they are brothers, and that their father has left them 35 camels, to be divided as follows: The eldest brother is to receive one half of the camels; the middle brother is to receive one third; and the youngest is to receive one ninth.  The three of them cannot agree as to how to equally divide the camels.  How do you think "The Man Who Counted" resolved this dilemma?

• Send to a Friend!

Comments