BEEF AND SAUSAGES.
(
Money Puzzles)
"A neighbour of mine," said Aunt Jane, "bought a certain quantity of
beef at two shillings a pound, and the same quantity of sausages at
eighteenpence a pound. I pointed out to her that if she had divided the
same money equally between beef and sausages she would have gained two
pounds in the total weight. Can you tell me exactly how much she spent?"
"Of course, it is no business of mine," said Mrs. Sunniborne; "but a
lady who could pay such prices must be somewhat inexperienced in
domestic economy."
"I quite agree, my dear," Aunt Jane replied, "but you see that is not
the precise point under discussion, any more than the name and morals of
the tradesman."
Answer:
The lady bought 48 lbs. of beef at 2s., and the same quantity of
sausages at 1s. 6d., thus spending L8, 8s. Had she bought 42 lbs. of
beef and 56 lbs. of sausages she would have spent L4, 4s. on each, and
have obtained 98 lbs. instead of 96 lbs.--a gain in weight of 2 lbs.
