The Math Teacher's Fish
When Mr. Lowe returned from his fishing trip, his students inquired as to the length of his prize catch.
Mr. Lowe answered,
"The head measured 9 inches."
"The tail was as long as the head and half the body."
"The body was as long as the head and tail."

Solution:

1. Let H, B, and T be three variables representing the Head, Body, and Tail of the fish.
2. H = 9".
3. T = H + 1/2 B
4. B = H + T
5. So, B = 9 + 9 + 1/2 B, by substitution.
6. Therefore, B = 36".
7. So, T = 9 + 18 = 27".
8. The Fish = H + B + T or 72" in length.