The Two Brothers Puzzle: A Fun Math Challenge

Are you ready to test your problem-solving skills? The Two Brothers Puzzle is a classic brain teaser that challenges your logical thinking and mathematical abilities. It's a great way to engage your mind and have some fun with numbers.

The Puzzle

Here's the scenario:

Two brothers, John and Peter, are working on a farm. They are paid a fixed amount of money for their work, but they don't get paid the same amount. John earns $10 more than Peter each day.

One day, their father tells them, "If you combine your earnings, you'll have a total of $100."

The question is: How much does each brother earn?

Solving the Puzzle

This puzzle can be solved using a simple algebraic equation. Let's break it down:

1. **Let 'x' represent Peter's daily earnings.**
2. **John earns $10 more than Peter, so John's daily earnings are represented by 'x + 10'.**
3. **Together, their earnings are $100, so we can write the equation: x + (x + 10) = 100**

Step-by-Step Solution

1. **Simplify the equation:** 2x + 10 = 100
2. **Subtract 10 from both sides:** 2x = 90
3. **Divide both sides by 2:** x = 45

Therefore, Peter earns $45 per day.

To find John's earnings, we add $10 to Peter's earnings:

John's earnings = $45 + $10 = $55

Answer

Peter earns $45 per day, and John earns $55 per day.

Key Takeaways

• This puzzle demonstrates the power of algebra in solving real-world problems.
• It emphasizes the importance of breaking down a problem into smaller, manageable steps.
• By using variables and equations, we can represent and solve complex scenarios in a clear and concise way.

Challenge Yourself

Try creating your own variations of this puzzle! You can change the total earnings, the difference in earnings, or even introduce additional characters. See if you can come up with a new puzzle that will challenge your friends and family.