Understanding Egg Costs: A Mathematical Puzzle Solved

Have you ever encountered a mathematical puzzle involving eggs, and found yourself pondering the exact cost? In this article, we will break down a classic example, clarifying the terms 'dozen' and 'score', and solving the puzzle. By the end of this article, you will be able to confidently calculate the cost of any number of eggs based on the given information.

The Terminology: A Little Background

Let's start by defining the terms 'dozen' and 'score' used in the problem. A common concept in historical and mathematical contexts, these terms represent different quantities of items.

Dozen

A dozen is a unit of twelve (12) items. For instance, if you have 1 dozen eggs, you are referring to a quantity of 12 eggs.

Score

A score is a unit of twenty (20) items. If you have 1 score of eggs, you are referring to a quantity of 20 eggs.

Given Data and The Puzzle

The puzzle begins with the following information: 3 dozen eggs cost Rs 90. Our task is to find the cost of 3 score eggs. But let's break this down step by step:

Step 1: Calculate the cost of a single egg

Since 1 dozen equals 12 eggs, 3 dozen eggs equal 3 * 12 36 eggs. The cost of 3 dozen (36) eggs is Rs 90. Therefore, the cost of a single egg is 90 / 36 2.50 rupees.

Step 2: Calculate the cost of 3 score eggs

1 score equals 20 eggs, so 3 scores equal 3 * 20 60 eggs. Since the cost of a single egg is Rs 2.50, the cost of 60 eggs is 60 * 2.50 150 rupees.

Conclusion

Therefore, the cost of 3 score eggs is Rs 150. Understanding these basic mathematical calculations can be quite useful in everyday life, especially when dealing with quantities of items sold in different units. This problem demonstrates the importance of knowing the basic definitions and performing straightforward arithmetic operations.

Key Takeaways

A dozen equals 12 items. A score equals 20 items. To find the cost of a single item, divide the total cost by the total quantity. To find the cost of a larger quantity, multiply the cost of a single item by the desired quantity.

Related Questions and FAQs

Q: How can I apply this knowledge in a practical way?

A: This knowledge is useful when purchasing items in bulk, especially if the units are not standardized (such as dozens and scores). You can use it to ensure that you are getting the correct cost for the quantity you need.

Q: Are there other units of quantity like 'gross' that I should know?

A: Yes, a gross is equal to 144 items (12 dozens), which is another historical unit of quantity that is occasionally used, particularly in retail and wholesale sectors.

Q: Can you provide an example of using 'gross'?

Yes, if a gross of eggs costs Rs 360, and you want to know the cost of 2 dozens of eggs, you can simply calculate that 2 dozens would be 24 eggs (1 dozen is 12 eggs, so 2 dozens is 24 eggs), and the cost per dozen is Rs 120, making the cost of 24 eggs Rs 240 (2 dozens * 120 per dozen).

Get in Touch

If you have any questions or need further assistance with mathematical calculations or other puzzles, feel free to leave a comment below or reach out to our support team. We are here to help!