May 29, 2000
Problem of the Month

Mr. P's Shopping Trip

Mr. P went shopping for his wife's birthday party.

At the first stop, he spent half of his total amount of money for food.

At the second stop, he spent half of what was left for paper plates and napkins.

At the next stop, he spent 1/4 of what was left for table favors.

At the last stop, he spent half of what was left for a birthday cake and ALL the candles to go on it.

Mr. P returned with only $6 (after spending all that money on CANDLES).

How much did he start out with?

Solution to the Problem:

Answer is $64.00.

Let x = total amount of money Mr. P begins with.

He spends x/2 dollars on food, leaving him with x/2 dollars.

He spends x/4 dollars on paper plates, leaving him with x/4 dollars.

He spends x/16 dollars on party favors, leaving him with 3x/16 dollars.

He spends 3x/32 dollars on cake and candles, leaving him with 3x/32 dollars.

So set 3x/32 = 6 and solve for x.
3x = 192, so x = $64.00.

Correctly solved by:

1. Kirstine Wynn	Winchester, VA
2. Eric Harding	Ashburn, VA
3. Tom Marino	Winchester, VA
4. Emily Moll	Winchester, VA

Send any comments or questions to: David Pleacher