Answer to the Problem of the Week
for the week of May 9, 2005

Candorville Comic

In the 5th panel of the Candorville Comic Strip below, Lemont's girlfriend Susan tells Lemont that his math is all wrong.

How much does Lemont owe Al or how much does Al owe Lemont, assuming that they split the cost of their dates evenly?

Click here for an enlargement of the panels of the comic strip.

 


Solution to the Problem:

Lemont owes Al $10.00.

Al paid $10 for the drinks (Panel 2).
Lemont paid $10 for the popcorn and drinks (Panel 3).
Al paid $5 for the nachos (Panel 3).
Lemont paid $60 for the popcorn and drinks (Panel 4).
Lemont paid $20 for the Mariachi (Panel 4).
Al paid $15 for the popcorn and drinks (Panel 4).
The total cost of their dates was $120, so each should pay $60.
Al paid $30 and Lemont paid $90, so Al owes $30 for the dates.
However, Al loaned Lemont $40, so Lemont owes Al $10.


Correctly solved by:

1. Mike Singer Winchester, Virginia
2. William Proffitt Winchester, Virginia
3. Walt Arrison Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
4. Charles Washington Winchester, Virginia
5. Cameron S. Columbus, Georgia
6. Sharina Broughton Old Dominion University,
Norfolk, Virginia
7. Tom Robb Winchester, Virginia
8. Cabelas1013@aol.com ----------
9. James Alarie University of Michigan -- Flint,
Flint, Michigan
10. David & Judy Dixon Bennettsville, South Carolina
11. Mrs. Frerk's AP Calculus Class; Green Bay East H.S. Green Bay, Wisconsin
12. Shengzhi Li ----------
13. Jason LaRusso Winchester, Virginia
14. Jesse Maye and Carrie Wilson Ticonderoga, New York
15. Jeffrey Gaither Winchester, Virginia