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Mathematical Puzzles 


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Puzzle 9 


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 10 


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

workings hint answer print

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Puzzle 11 


In the following sum, the digits 0 to 9 have all been used, and the top row's digits add to 9.

Knowing that O = Odd, and E = Even (zero is even), can you determine each digit?

EEO + EOO = OEOE

Puzzle Copyright © Kevin Stone

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Puzzle 12 


My current age is the age of my favourite book (which is 14 years old) plus one third of my age.

How old will I be when my favourite book is twice its current age?

Puzzle Copyright © Kevin Stone

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