April 2026
Problem of the Month
A Gem of a Puzzle
by Jon King in GAMES
A man goes into a jewelry store and inquires about the cost of several pieces of jewelry. The shopkeeper says:
"The amethyst necklace and the diamond brooch together cost $2700.
The diamond brooch and the ruby bracelet cost $4300.
The ruby bracelet and the sapphire earrings cost $3100.
The sapphire earrings and the emerald pin cost $2900.
The emerald pin and the topaz ring cost $2300."
The customer says, "I'll take the piece that costs $1300."
Which item did he buy?