Everyday Einstein – 8.19.2010

The farmer’s market in Coolidge Corner now has apples. And pretty soon, school will start, meaning a polished red apple will be needed for the new teacher. Here’s a puzzle to get us in the mood for Fall from H.E. Dudeney’s Amusements in Mathematics. but be careful, it requires knowledge of an older money system.

“I paid a farmer a shilling for some apples, but they were so small that I made him throw in two extra apples. I find that made them cost just a penny a dozen less than the first price he asked. How many apples did I get for my shilling?”

Anyone want to write this problem so it makes sense? As in, buying apples for $5 a dozen or $10 a bushel?

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