Question

THE SEVEN APPLEWOMEN

Answer 1

Answer:

  zero

Step-by-step explanation:

If the same sum is received for the sale of 20 apples at price p as is received for the sale of 140 apples at price p, then we must have ...

  20p = 140p

  120p = 0 . . . . . . subtract 20p

  p = 0 . . . . . . . . . divide by 120

The price was zero.

Answer 2

Answer:

• Price was 1 unit of money per each 7 apples and 3 units of money per each extra apple
• Each woman received 20 unit of money

Step-by-step explanation:

This is the tricky one

I think 'The Seven Apple' is the hint. Let's see what the numbers have to do  with 7:

• 20 = 7*2 + 6
• 40 = 7*5 + 5
• 60 = 7*8 + 4
• 80 = 7*11 + 3
• 100 = 7*14 + 2
• 120 = 7*17 + 1
• 140 = 7*20 + 0

Assume each '7 apples' sold for a fixed price x and each 'extra' apple sold for a different price y. Since all add up to make same amount, we get:

• 2x + 6y = 5x + 5y = ... = 20x

Let x = 1, then we get y = 3

So we get the sold price:

• 20 apples cost: 2*1 + 6*3 = 20
• 40 apples cost: 5*1 + 5*3 = 20
• ...
• 140 apples cost: 20*1 = 20

So each apple woman got 20 units of money for their apples.

Price was 1 unit of money per each 7 and 3 units of money per each extra apple