A zebra was going to the river. On the way the zebra encountered five giraffes. Each giraffe had five monkeys on their neck. How many animals were going to the river?
Your right elbow. You can try it yourself if you’re not convinced, but unless you have a broken arm or an incredibly flexible ulna, you won’t reach it.
You want to go on an adventure to the remote city of Chenarz, but it’s 120 miles off the Pacific coast. To conserve money, take the smallest number of people as possible. Each person can carry enough food for five days but you can only travel 30 miles a day. You want to reach Chenarz, stay overnight, and return the next day. How many people, including yourself, must you take to reach the city?
You will need three other members in your party to accomplish your mission for a total of four people.
Four people × 5 day’s rations = 20 day’s rations.
Day 1: 5 rations – Four day’s rations are used. One person goes back using one day’s ration for the return trip.
Day 2: 5 rations – Remaining three members use three day’s rations. One goes back using two day’s rations for the return trip.
Day 3: 5 rations – Remaining two use two day’s rations. One goes back using three day’s rations for the return trip.
Day 4: 1 ration – You use one day’s rations. You reach the city and stay the night.
Day 5: 4 rations – You return to the coast using up four day’s rations.
