Skip to content Skip to sidebar Skip to footer

An Apple And Banana Cost 1.10

Image Of An Apple And Banana

If you go to a grocery store and see a sign that reads "An apple and banana cost 1.10", you might think it's an easy math problem. You'd assume that the apple costs 1 dollar and the banana costs 10 cents, right? However, this seemingly simple problem has a trick that might surprise you.

The Trick

Image Of Math Trick

The trick lies in the wording of the problem. It doesn't say that the apple costs 1 dollar more than the banana. Instead, it says that the apple and banana together cost 1.10. This means that the sum of the apple and banana prices is 1.10.

If we let x be the price of the apple and y be the price of the banana, we can create two equations:

x + y = 1.10 (the apple and banana together cost 1.10)

x = y + 1 (the apple costs 1 dollar more than the banana)

We can now solve for x and y:

y + 1 + y = 1.10 (substitute x with y + 1)

2y + 1 = 1.10 (combine like terms)

2y = 0.10 (subtract 1 from both sides)

y = 0.05 (divide both sides by 2)

x = y + 1 = 1.05 (substitute y with 0.05)

So, the banana costs 5 cents and the apple costs 1.05 dollars! The answer might surprise you since it's not what you'd assume at first glance.

The Importance of Paying Attention to Details

Image Of Paying Attention To Details

This problem highlights the importance of paying attention to details. If you assume that the apple costs 1 dollar, you might overlook the fact that the banana would have to cost -90 cents, which is impossible. It's important to always read a problem carefully and make sure you understand the wording before starting to solve it.

This lesson can be applied to other areas in life as well. For example, when signing a contract, it's important to read all the details carefully and make sure you understand everything before signing. Small details can make a big difference, just like in the apple and banana problem.

The Psychology Behind the Problem

Image Of Psychology Behind Problems

Why do we often assume that the apple costs 1 dollar? It's because our brains tend to jump to conclusions based on what we're used to hearing. We're used to hearing prices that end in 99 cents, such as $1.99 or $9.99, so our brains automatically assume that the apple costs 1 dollar instead of 1.05 dollars.

This is a common bias called anchoring bias, where our initial beliefs anchor our subsequent thoughts and actions. It's important to be aware of this bias and try to overcome it by questioning our assumptions and making sure we have all the facts before making a decision.

In Conclusion

The apple and banana problem might seem like a simple math problem, but it actually has a trick that can surprise you. By paying attention to details and reading a problem carefully, you can avoid making assumptions that can lead you astray. This lesson can be applied to other areas in life as well, such as signing contracts or making decisions based on incomplete information. By overcoming anchoring bias, we can make more informed and rational decisions.

Related video of Why An Apple And Banana Cost 1.10 Is Not As Simple As It Seems