Reasoning
If we convert the question to algebra, we have:
((n^2 + 4) x 2 − 3) x 4 − n = 20
Expanding the brackets and simplifying gives:
(2n^2 + 8 − 3) x 4 − n = 20
(2n^2 + 5) x 4 − n = 20
8n^2 + 20 − n = 20
8n^2 − n = 0 (*)
8n − 1 = 0
8n = 1
n = 1/8
In the equation marked (*) zero is also a potential solution, but as the question tells us that we "Start with a number larger than 0" we know that n can't be 0, and therefore we can safely divide by n.
Hint
How many boxes of toys can 1 toy maker make in 5 hours?
Answer
Five toy makers.
Reasoning
How many boxes of toys can 1 toy maker make in 5 hours?
2 toy makers can make 6 boxes of toys in 3 hours
1 toy maker can make 3 boxes of toys in 3 hours
1 toy maker can make 1 box of toys in 1 hour
1 toy maker can make 5 boxes of toys in 5 hours
So 4 toy makers could only make 20 boxes of toy in 5 hours, and we require the extra toy maker to make the remaining 2 boxes of toys.
