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Mathematical Puzzles 


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Puzzle 21 


Within the BrainBashers school, the science department has three disciplines.

In total, 280 students study chemistry, 254 students study physics, and 280 students study biology.

In total, 97 students study chemistry and physics, 138 students study physics and biology, and 152 students study chemistry and biology.

73 students study all three disciplines.

Can you determine how many students there are in the science department? The answer is not 814.

Puzzle Copyright © Kevin Stone

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Puzzle 22 


A large freshwater reservoir has two types of drainage system. Small pipes and large pipes.

6 large pipes, on their own, can drain the reservoir in 12 hours.

6 small pipes, on their own, can drain the reservoir in 18 hours.

How long will 6 large pipes and 6 small pipes take to drain the reservoir?

Puzzle Copyright © Kevin Stone

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Puzzle 23 


The BrainBashers printer isn't working correctly again (I must get it fixed!).

It's started printing O for odd numbers, and E for even numbers.

I know that all of the digits from 0 to 9 are used, and that the top row's digits add to 9.

Can you find the original sum?

EEO + EOO = OEOE

Puzzle Copyright © Kevin Stone

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Puzzle 24 


Dave's current age is the age of his favourite book (which is 14 years old) plus one third of his age.

How old will he be when his favourite book is twice its current age?

Puzzle Copyright © Kevin Stone

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