MATH STINGER #59 
by Dr. Joel C. Fowler 
Assistant Professor of Mathematics 

This issue's puzzle is as follows. Two brothers sell a herd of sheep. They receive for each sheep 
an amount in dollars equal to the number of sheep in the herd. They split the money by taking $10 
alternately, starting with the oldest. That is, first the older brother takes $10, then the younger 
takes $10, and so on. They continue this process until eventually the younger brother finds less 
than $10 in the pile. He takes what remains and, in order to make the division fair, the older brother 
gives the younger his pocket knife. What is the value of the pocket knife?

Stinger #58  Stinger #60  Math Stingers Main Page