Solving Math Puzzles: Insights and Misdirection

Math puzzles and word problems can sometimes be confusing, but they are also a great way to develop problem-solving skills. Let's take a closer look at a few examples and explore the subtleties involved.

Example 1: Mary's Baseball Cards

Here is a riddle for you: Mary had 36 baseball cards and 5 were torn. Keith bought 10 of Mary's baseball cards. How many baseball cards does Mary have now?

Mary is left with 26 cards. She had 36 and even though 5 were torn, she still had them. When Keith bought 10 of her 36 cards, that left her with 26. It's important to note that the fact that cards were torn does not affect the count of how many cards she has. The question specifically asks about the total number of cards she has after the transaction.

Example 2: Lost and Found Pokemon Cards

Consider another example: She had 47 Pokemon cards initially. She was given 28 more, making her total 75 cards. She then bought 40 more. The question doesn't specify if she threw away the torn cards, so we can assume she kept them. Adding the 40 cards, she now has 115 cards in total.

This problem can be solved by simply adding the initial number of cards, the additional cards received, and the cards purchased. The torn cards are not relevant to the final count, making this an example of extraneous information in math puzzles.

Example 3: Misdirection in Math Puzzles

Let's examine another example: Mary has 33 Pokemon cards and 6 are torn. The question asks, 'How many Pokemon cards does Mary have now?' It is easy to mistakenly think we need to subtract the torn cards but the question focuses on the total count. Therefore, the answer is 33.

These puzzles often involve misdirection, where certain pieces of information are presented to distract. Recognizing this and focusing on the essential information is key to solving these problems effectively.

Word problems and math puzzles are valuable tools for teaching problem-solving skills. They help develop logical thinking and the ability to identify and ignore irrelevant information. Understanding these techniques can improve one's approach to various aspects of life, including work and personal challenges.

Stay awesome and keep challenging your problem-solving skills!