Simple Maths Question (part 2)

[dr_gn]

From the same SATS question book as this:

https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

This time an ambiguous question, no doubt (I get at least three interpretations), but what answer(s) do we get for this one?

[cuprabob]

46m

9.5 + 9 + 9 + 9 +9.5

[Bill]

Or, you lose 1 metre per knot, so 46m.

[dr_gn]

It says “overlap” by 0.5m per bit of rope which to me doesn’t mean you lose 1m per join.

Plus...do you tie them in a line, or a circle?

[DanL]

You lose 0.5m per tie (overlap between each rope) 4 ties for 5 bits of rope = 2m. 50m - 2m = 48m.

[DanL]

dr_gn said:

It says “overlap” by 0.5m per bit of rope which to me doesn’t mean you lose 1m per join.

Plus...do you tie them in a line, or a circle?

A circle doesn’t give you a length, so it must be a line...

[Bill]

dr_gn said:

It says “overlap” by 0.5m per bit of rope which to me doesn’t mean you lose 1m per join.

Why not? And why would you tie them in a circle?

It's not perfectly worded, but (like the other question) it's clear what they're after. I think you're over-complicating things.

[Bill]

And I'm loathe to bump the other thread, but you start with 48/24=2 cakes, and end up with 7/24.

[dr_gn]

Bill said:

dr_gn said:

It says “overlap” by 0.5m per bit of rope which to me doesn’t mean you lose 1m per join.

Why not? And why would you tie them in a circle?

It's not perfectly worded, but (like the other question) it's clear what they're after. I think you're over-complicating things.

No, “overlap” to me means you effectively put them end-to-end, then push them together by 0.5m. Each bit of rope then loses only 0.5m in the overlap (presumably in forming a knot) Therefore you effectively lose only 0.5m of overall length per “overlap”.

If it said “each piece loses 0.5m in the knot per join” only then would it lose 1m per join.

[Bill]

Fair point, I was thinking of a knot using 0.5m of rope, but if the ends are spliced then you lose 0.5 m per join.

[CaptainSlow]

dr_gn said:

If it said “each piece loses 0.5m in the knot per join” only then would it lose 1m per join.

It does.

[dr_gn]

CaptainSlow said:

dr_gn said:

If it said “each piece loses 0.5m in the knot per join” only then would it lose 1m per join.

It does.

Where exactly does it say that?

[CaptainSlow]

dr_gn said:

Where exactly does it say that?

The second sentence says exactly that. Anyhow, what is the answer?

[dr_gn]

CaptainSlow said:

dr_gn said:

Where exactly does it say that?

The second sentence says exactly that. Anyhow, what is the answer?

It says there is an overlap of 0.5m, not that you lose 0.5m per piece in the join. Two different results.

What is the answer? Depends on the question I guess?

[Toltec]

You are right it isn't clear if there is a half metre overlap, after all the ropes overlap each other, or that half a meter each is used to form the join. It does read on quick thought as the latter, however you could take either view if you expect the question to be tricksy.

The main point is that you should find a new rope supplier as most can provide 100m lengths without a problem.

[CaptainSlow]

dr_gn said:

CaptainSlow said:

dr_gn said:

Where exactly does it say that?

The second sentence says exactly that. Anyhow, what is the answer?

It says there is an overlap of 0.5m, not that you lose 0.5m per piece in the join. Two different results.

What is the answer? Depends on the question I guess?

It says you lose 0.5 overlap per rope...ie per piece. Assume the answer doesn't support your interpretation.

[deckster]

<       10m        ><       9m       ><       10m        ><      9m        ><       10m        >
--------------------                  --------------------                  --------------------
                   --------------------                  --------------------                  

48m.

[Some Gump]

Gn, you worry me.

[Bill]

CaptainSlow said:

It says you lose 0.5 overlap per rope...ie per piece. Assume the answer doesn't support your interpretation.

I made the same mistake. If you lay the ropes in a line with the 0.5m overlap and then joined them (With glue, say.) you lose 0.5m length per join.

[CaptainSlow]

Bill said:

CaptainSlow said:

It says you lose 0.5 overlap per rope...ie per piece. Assume the answer doesn't support your interpretation.

I made the same mistake. If you lay the ropes in a line with the 0.5m overlap and then joined them (With glue, say.) you lose 0.5m length per join.

it says you tie the rope together, where has the glue come from?...in you mock up where would the knot be?

the answer is 46m


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