Page 32 - Discover Summer 2020

Gremmie’s
Gremmie’s

Pages
Pages

Edited by Gerald Muus

Here is last issue’s brain puzzle:

In our last issue, we reported that noted biologist Professor

Flora Fauna had discovered a new species of plant. Through Our winner, with the first
scientific testing, she determined that the fruit of this plant correct answer, is Cliff Price!

consisted of 99% water. After leaving them in the sun, some

of the water in them evaporated. If the fruit ended up with
98% water in them, how much of their weight did they lose?

Our winner with the first correct entry is Cliff Price.

Here is his solution:

The fruit lost 50% of its original weight.

If the original fruit weighs Y, than the non-water component

weighs, X, weighs 0.01 * Y.

If the sun dried fruit aweigh Z, then the non-water

component, X, weighs 0.02 * Z

The weight of the non-water component hasn’t changed, so

X = 0.01 * Y = 0.02 *Z, and therefore by simple math, Z =

0.5 * Y, or 50%.

30 Discover Smith Mountain Lake SUMMER 2020