Brain Teasers and Puzzles 

Workings

Hint
These are the first letters of the words: C, N, D, M, S, S, Y, P, P, H, C, A, P, B.

Answer
----rue = construe ----jar = nightjar ----dil = daffodil ----any = mahogany or epiphany ----pox = smallpox ----gth = strength ----elf = yourself ----oia = paranoia ----ige = prestige ----hog = hedgehog ----too = cockatoo ----dix = appendix ----fin = paraffin ----upt = bankrupt

Workings

Hint
How many miles were left at the start of yesterday?

Answer
336 miles.

Reasoning
To work these numbers out, it is perhaps easier to start at the end and work backwards.

Yesterday I travelled 1/3 of the distance to leave 21 miles, therefore there were 31.5 miles (=21 ÷ 2/3) at the start of yesterday.

On day 3 I travelled 3/4 of the distance to leave 31.5 miles, therefore there were 126 miles (=31.5 ÷ 1/4) at the start of day 3.

On day 2 I travelled 1/2 of the distance to leave 126 miles, therefore there were 252 miles (=126 ÷ 1/2) at the start of day 2.

On the first day, I travelled 1/4 of the distance to leave 252 miles, therefore there were 336 miles (=252 ÷ 3/4) at the start of the first day.

Double-Checking
On the first day, I travelled one quarter of the distance (84, leaving 252). On day two, I travelled one half of the remaining distance (126, leaving 126). On day three, I travelled three quarters of the remaining distance (94.5, leaving 31.5). Yesterday I travelled one third of the remaining distance (10.5). I now have 21 miles left to travel.

Workings

Hint
The country spans more than one word and isn't in Europe.

Answer
India.

Reasoning
As a keen photographer, I find the best way to capture the portrait of a gazelle is to stand well downwind. I also try to wear clothes that blend in with the background to reduce the chances of scaring the animal.

Workings

Hint
Take a close look at the digits.

Answer
97.

Reasoning
The lowest digit is removed each time.