Anna’s journey of buying, selling, and rebuying a cow has left many scratching their heads. She started with $100, sold the cow for $120, bought it back for $150, and finally sold it for $170. Did she make a profit or suffer a loss? At first glance, it seems simple, but most people overlook key details that change the outcome. Are you ready to take on this challenge? Dive into the puzzle, discover common mistakes, and uncover the step-by-step explanation to see if you got it right!
Introduction: Can You Solve This Financial Puzzle?
Anna’s cow-buying journey has sparked curiosity and debate. She purchased a cow for $100, sold it for $120, bought it back for $150, and then sold it again for $170. Did Anna make a profit or incur a loss? This puzzle isn’t just a test of math skills; it’s a lesson in logical reasoning and attention to detail. Take a moment to think and share your answer. Let’s uncover the truth step by step!
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Common Mistakes: Why Do People Get This Wrong?
Many people rush to answer and make these common errors:
- Focusing on Individual Transactions: They fail to calculate the overall balance and focus only on one sale or purchase at a time.
- Ignoring the Sequence: Not considering how each step affects the cumulative balance leads to confusion.
- Overthinking the Math: Some add unnecessary complexities instead of following a straightforward calculation.
These errors highlight the importance of breaking the problem into manageable steps. Now, let’s solve it logically.
Step-by-Step Solution: How Anna Made a $40 Profit
Let’s analyze Anna’s transactions and calculate her final profit or loss.
Step 1: Initial Purchase
- Anna bought the cow for $100. This is her initial expense.
- Calculation: -$100
- Total Balance: -$100
Step 2: First Sale
- Anna sold the cow for $120, earning a profit of $20 on this transaction.
- Calculation: +$120 – $100 = +$20 profit
- Total Balance: +$20
Step 3: Buying the Cow Back
- Anna bought the cow again for $150, incurring another expense.
- Calculation: +$20 (previous balance) – $150 = -$130
- Total Balance: -$130
Step 4: Final Sale
- Anna sold the cow for $170, earning her final revenue.
- Calculation: -$130 (previous balance) + $170 = +$40
- Total Balance: +$40
By the end of all transactions, Anna’s total profit is $40.
Share Your Thoughts and Try More Puzzles!
Did you figure it out before reading the explanation? Share your thoughts and discuss your approach in the comments below! Solving puzzles like this not only improves your logical thinking but also sharpens your problem-solving skills. Stay tuned for more mind-bending riddles and puzzles to challenge your brain!
