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How many children were you?

If you ask me such a question, I will reply that my mother dreamed of having at least 19 children but her dream did not come true, that my sisters were three times as more numerous than my first cousins, and that I had half as many brothers as I had sisters.

 May 13, 2015

Best Answer 

 #5
avatar+128079 
+8

 

Let S = sisters, B = brothers and FC = first cousins.....and we're told that.......

S = 3FC

S = 2B

So

B = (3/2)FC

And let "me"  = 1

So

3FC + (3/2)FC + 1  < 19

3FC + (3/2)FC < !8 

(4.5)FC  < 18

FC < 4  

But....FC has to be a multiple of 2, because if it's an odd number, the number of brothers will be a fractional amount.....!!!!!

But if FC < 4, then the only multiple of two is 2...!!!

So FC =2

S = (3)FC = 3(2) = 6

B = (3/2)FC = (3/2)(2)  = 3

So....the total children =  6 sisters, 3 brothers  (and "me")  = 10

 

  

 May 14, 2015
 #1
avatar+145 
+8

My mother had 8 kids, but 5 of them died :( 😢😣

My brother, sister and I were the only survivors...

 

THIS IS TRUE!!!

 May 13, 2015
 #2
avatar+118587 
+13

Well, your mum had less than 19 children.

Since you have 3 times more sisters than cousins it stands to reason that you have at least one cousin.

Lets do a table

Mefirst cousinssistersbrothersTotal
1131.5 that's a bit difficult 
126310 
1394.5  X 
1412619 Too many

 

So my mum had 10 children          [Corrected - I forgot me, even though I was in the table  LOL]

 May 14, 2015
 #3
avatar+118587 
+5

To all answerers.

 

This table fuction is built into the web 2 forum.  

 

It does not do borders which is a pity but it is a great feature and I seem to be the only one that ever uses it.  Why is that?

 May 14, 2015
 #4
avatar+118587 
+8

I have added this to our logic puzzle thread. (in sticky threads) :)

Thank you anon for providing it :)

 May 14, 2015
 #5
avatar+128079 
+8
Best Answer

 

Let S = sisters, B = brothers and FC = first cousins.....and we're told that.......

S = 3FC

S = 2B

So

B = (3/2)FC

And let "me"  = 1

So

3FC + (3/2)FC + 1  < 19

3FC + (3/2)FC < !8 

(4.5)FC  < 18

FC < 4  

But....FC has to be a multiple of 2, because if it's an odd number, the number of brothers will be a fractional amount.....!!!!!

But if FC < 4, then the only multiple of two is 2...!!!

So FC =2

S = (3)FC = 3(2) = 6

B = (3/2)FC = (3/2)(2)  = 3

So....the total children =  6 sisters, 3 brothers  (and "me")  = 10

 

  

CPhill May 14, 2015
 #6
avatar+118587 
0

Thanks Chris

You make it look so difficult Chris.   

 May 14, 2015
 #7
avatar+128079 
0

Just proves, Melody....you need to stay away from "tables"....LOL!!!!

 

 

  

 May 14, 2015

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