johnbu@tektronix.UUCP (John Burgess ) (11/18/83)
Here are some hints for getting started on the cross-number puzzle submitted last week: 1) Start with 15 across, relating to Farmer Dunk's walking speed. There is a limited range of numbers which, when cubed, yeild a 2-digit number. 2) All years start with a 1. We're not in year 2000 yet, and no numbers can begin with a 0. 3) Basic math: when multiplying, the least significant digit in the result equals the LSD of the multiplier times the LSD of the multiplicand. 4) There's a lot of trial and error. For example, make an assumption about Dunk's walking speed. Based on other relationships about the number of minutes he was walking, and the perimiter, and the length and breadth, things either will fit, or they won't. If things don't work out, try a different walking speed. 5) In order to solve the problem COMPLETELY, it is necessary to know that there are 20 shillings in a pound, but this info is not needed to solve the question asked, about Mrs. Grooby's age. Answer next week.