A problem from Chinese mathematician Chang Tsang (died 152 B.C.):

Posted on October 15, 2008 by tortugo23

A problem from Chinese mathematician Chang Tsang (died 152 B.C.): Suppose there are a number of rabbits and pheasants in a cage. In all, there are 35 heads and 94 feet. How many rabbits and pheasants are there?

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3 Responses

  1. Jenny in Sitka Alaska, on February 20th, 2009 at 11:18 pm Said:

    State: Variables
    R = Unknown number of Rabbits
    P = Unknown number of Pheasants

    Equations
    1.) R + P = 35
    2.) 4R + 2P = 94

    Process: Substitution Method
    1.) R + P = 35
    ———P = -R + 35

    2.) 4R + 2(-R + 35) = 94
    4R – 2R + 70 = 94
    2R – 70 = – 70
    2\ 2R= 24\2
    R=12
    So, there are 12 Rabbits

    Now to solve for P
    Equation 1.) 12 + P = 35
    -12 -12
    P = 23
    there are 23 Pheasants

    Check:
    1.) 12 + 23 =35
    35 =35 True
    2.) 4(12) + 2(23) = 94
    48 + 46 = 94
    94 = 94 True

    12 Rabbits and 23 Pheasants are inside the cage.

    Reply
  2. tortugo23, on February 23rd, 2009 at 9:58 am Said:

    :)

    I love that problem.

    If anyone has a similar problem or a different way of solving this one, please do share.

    Reply
  3. mii, on November 29th, 2009 at 3:48 pm Said:

    wow he is sooo smart ae?

    Reply

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