Return to site

Classic Legacy Puzzles

Math In Action

January 15, 2021

Let's explore some classic puzzles in this blog. Dividing the legacy is one of the most discussed puzzle topics. Would you like to try the following three classic puzzles? It's never too early or late to get documentation done. These may give you some ideas to be creative.

1. LEGACY FOR TWO UNFRIENDLY SONS

A man left $500.00 to be divided between his two sons Trump and Biden. If one-fourth of Trump's legacy be taken from one-fifth of Biden's, the remainder would be $10.00. What was the amount of each legacy?

2. A PUZZLING LEGACY

A man left legacies to his three sons and to a school, amounting in all to $2,400.00. If he had left the school legacy also to his first son, that son would have received as much as the other two sons together. If he had left it to his second son, he would have received twice as much as the other two sons together. If he had left the school legacy to his third son, he would have received then thrice as much as the first son and second son together. Find the amount of each legacy.

3. A GOLDEN LEGACY

A rich man bequeathed some amount of gold, a little less than 40kg, to be divided as follows: The five children and the lawyer received such amount that the square root of the eldest son's share, the second son's share divided by two, the third son's share minus 2, the fourth son's share plus 2, the daughter's share multiplied by two, and the square of the lawyer's fee in gold all worked out at exactly the same amount of gold. Everyone received gold as a positive integer value of kilograms. Also, no gold was left over after the division. What was the total amount bequeathed and who got the least amount of gold? 

We hope this will bring you in the problem solving mode. Don't just write your answers in the comments. Provide meaningful explanation as well for others to understand your point of view. If you need our help to solve these puzzles then also leave your comments. We will get back to you.

Cheers!

  • Math in Action
  • Math Problem Solving Courses