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From: mayne@sun16.scri.fsu.edu (William (Bill) Mayne)
Newsgroups: sci.psychology,sci.math,comp.theory,comp.software-eng,sci.econ,rec.puzzles
Subject: Apples Puzzle - A survey/experiment
Message-ID: <2649@sun13.scri.fsu.edu>
Date: 1 Apr 91 17:07:19 GMT
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The following problem was given as an illustration in an article
[Credit will be given by emailed request]. I am doing a little research
into the various styles of thinking and calculating people use for such
word problems. I'd appreciate email from anyone who has not read or
seen the problem solving the problem and *briefly* describing the
method used, along with the newsgroup in which you saw this and your
major (if a student) or profession. I'll eventually post or email to
respondents a summary of responses and some additional explanation if
there is interest.

The reason for the cross posting is that one thing I want to see is
the different descriptions and approaches people come up with depending
upon the context in which they see the problem.

Please don't spoil the experiment by posting solutions.

*** PROBLEM ***

  Mary has an even number of apples. Twice the number
  of apples that Mary has plus the number of apples that
  John has is some (unknown) constant C. Suppose Mary throws
  half of her apples away. What should be done with John's
  apples so that twice the number of apples that Mary has
  plus the number of apples that John has is still C?

Please include "Apples Puzzle" in the subject line of responses.

Bill Mayne (mayne@cs.fsu.edu)