The census-taker was able to figure out the ages of the Manning girls by using the information given. Since the product of their ages is 72 and the sum of their ages is Mr. Manning's house number, the census-taker can use algebra to solve the problem.
Let x, y, and z represent the ages of the Manning girls. Then, the equation can be written as:
x * y * z = 72
x + y + z = Mr. Manning's house number
The census-taker can then use substitution to solve the equation. Since Mr. Manning said that his oldest daughter likes chocolate milk, the census-taker can assume that x is the oldest daughter's age. Then, the equation can be rewritten as:
x * (x + y + z - x) * (x + y + z - x - y) = 72
x * y * z = 72
By substituting x for the oldest daughter's age, the census-taker can solve for the other two ages. After solving the equation, the census-taker can determine that the Manning girls are 8, 6, and 4 years old.
A census-taker rings Mr. Manning's bell and asks how many children he has.
"Three daughters," he replies.
"And how old are they, in whole numbers?" asks the census-taker.
"Well, I'll tell you this:the product of their ages is 72, and the sum of their ages is my house number."
"But that isn't enough information!" complains the census-taker.
"Okay, my oldest daughter(in years)likes chocolate milk," replies Mr. Manning.
With that, the census-taker nods and writes down the three ages.
How old are the Manning girls, and how did the census-taker figure it out?Include a full explanation! *My teacher said "But that isn't enough information!" complains the census-taker. was a big hint but i don't get it please help
1 answer
2 answers