Subj:.....Trading
in the Philippines (S587)
From the book
"More Mathematical Puzzles of Sam Loyd"
Edited by Martin Gardner
From: Dover Publications in 1960
What are the weights
of the four rings?
I recently came upon
an old travel book that described some of
the primitive methods
once used for conducting business in the
Philippines.
The traveling merchant shown in the picture uses
a balance scale and
four metal rings that serve as weights.
The rings are different
weights and sizes and he carries them
on his arms like
bracelets.
With these four rings,
the trader can weigh anything from a
quarter of a pound
up to ten pounds. These weights enable the
trader to get within
a quarter of a pound of any weight within
the limits mentioned.
What are the weights
of the four rings? |