September 2012
Problem of the Month

Mulch Problem

Last year, Mr. P bought 43 bags of mulch for his flower beds, and he had to make more than one trip to bring them home.

He brought the same number of bags home each time except for the last trip in which he brought one extra bag.

How many trips did he make?
Give all possibilities!

Solution to the Problem:

2 trips (21, 22)
3 trips (14, 14, 15)
6 trips (7, 7, 7, 7, 7, 8)
7 trips (6, 6, 6, 6, 6, 6, 7)
14 trips (3, 3, ... 3, 4)
21 trips (2, 2, 2, ... 2, 3)
42 trips (1, 1, 1, ... 1, 2)

Mr. P actually brought them home in three trips.

Correctly solved by:

1. James Alarie	Flint, Michigan
2. Mike Bova	Wallingford, Connecticut
3. Chad Fore	Gate City, Virginia
4. Alex Jeon	----------

Send any comments or questions to: David Pleacher