math puzzle: piece missing?

foxcole · #1 Feb 10, 2005, 07:54 AM

I'm no longer fluent in math

but retain some ability in algebra after all these years...

Still, I'm having trouble setting up a problem from a puzzle calendar that a friend gave me. It seems like a piece is missing, although I'm not entirely convinced that's true. Here's the quote:

Rachel wanted to buy some tiny favors for a Mardi Gras party. She tried to drive a hard bargain and succeeded. If she had paid $0.04 more per hundred, she would have received five fewer. How much did the favors cost per hundred?

Any hints or suggestions, or other comments? Thank you!

Glipto · Mar 8, 2005, 07:46 PM

x = cost per hundred
y = units
M = Rachel's money

M = x /100 * y
or M = (x + 0.04)/100 * (y - 5)

xy = (x +0.04) * (y - 5)

...

y = 125 * x + 5 (many solutions)

M value is missing.



At Ask Me Help Desk you can ask questions in any topic and have them answered for free by our experts. To ask questions or participate in answering them you must register for a free account. By registering you will be able to: Get free answers from experts in any of our 300+ topics. Accept money for answers that you provide. Communicate privately with other members (PM). See fewer ads. Sign Up!