Answer to August 18, 2003 Problem

Rita's Ice Problem
contributed by Kathleen Altemose

Rita's Ice offers five different products: Italian Ices, Cream Ices, Gelati, Misto, and Frozen Custard. An employee of Rita's states that there are so many different choices that customers have a difficult time making up their minds.

Can you determine how many different choices there are at Rita's using the information below?
There are 26 flavors of Italian Ice.
There are 5 flavors of Cream Ice.
Gelati is made by layering either vanilla or chocolate Frozen Custard with the customer's favorite flavor of Italian Ice or Cream Ice.
Misto Shakes are made by blending either vanilla or chocolate frozen custard with the customer's choice of Italian Ice or Cream Ice.
There are two flavors of Frozen Custard.

Click here to visit the website for Rita's Ice

 

Solution to Problem:

The answer is 157 different choices.

There are 26 different ways in which a customer may choose Italian Ice.
There are 5 different ways in which a customer may choose Cream Ice.
There are 62 different ways ((26 + 5) x 2) in which a customer may choose Gelati.
There are 62 different ways in which a customer may choose Misto Shake.
There are 2 different ways in which a customer may choose Frozen Custard.
26 + 5 + 62 + 62 + 2 = 157.


Correctly solved by:

1. David & Judy Dixon Bennettsville, South Carolina
2. William Funk San Antonio, Texas
3. Jeffrey Gaither Winchester, Virginia
4. Misty Carlisle Winchester, Virginia
5. Iron Maiden ----------
6. springbokkie Columbus, Georgia
7. Andrew Marvets ----------
8. Mitchell Lane Columbus, Georgia
9. Lucy Flournoy Columbus, Georgia
10. Lois Johnston Columbus, Georgia
11. Walt Arrison Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
12. Eweymae ----------
13. Katie Columbus, Georgia