Reasoning
We can multiply throughout by 12,
X X X X
- - - + - = -
X 2 4 12
to give:
12 − 6X + 3X = X
12 − 3X = X
12 = 4X
3 = X
As required.
Double-Checking
3 3 3 3
- - - + - = -
3 2 4 12
1 − 1.5 + 0.75 = 0.25
0.25 = 0.25, which confirms that 3 is correct.
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Puzzle 19
Can you find the country hidden in the following sentence:
If a Dalmatian dog can catch five balls in five minutes, four balls in four minutes, and three balls in three minutes, can a Dalmatian dog catch two balls in two minutes?
If a Dalmatian dog can catch five balls in five minutes, four balls in four minutes, and three balls in three minutes, CAN A DAlmatian dog catch two balls in two minutes?