Subscribe now

Puzzle #208: Can you work out which would be the smaller area to weed?

Can you solve this week’s arithmetical puzzle, Flower power? Plus the answer to puzzle #207

8 February 2023

New Scientist Default Image

#208 Flower power

Set by Howard Williams

Ivor Plant is the head gardener of Lady Bird’s estate. Her large chrysanthemum garden needs to be weeded and pruned, so he assigns his two apprentices, Lupin and Heath, to the rather tedious task. The garden consists of a central 4-metre-sided square (pink) inscribed in a circle, and four outer areas (blue) enclosed in semicircles that are connected to the square’s corners.

“If you give me two of your chocolate biscuits, I will let you pick whichever area you want to weed: the outside or the inside,” says Heath to Lupin. Always eager to get out of extra work …

To continue reading, subscribe today with our introductory offers

View introductory offers

No commitment, cancel anytime*

Offer ends 14th June 2023.

*Cancel anytime within 14 days of payment to receive a refund on unserved issues.

Inclusive of applicable taxes (VAT)

or

Existing subscribers

Sign in to your account