How many birds are at the top and bottom of the tree?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a problem involving the number of birds at the top and bottom of a tree, framed as a mathematical puzzle. Participants explore the relationships between the numbers of birds based on conditions of movement between the two positions, focusing on algebraic expressions and equations.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants state that if one bird goes up, the number of birds at the top will be twice that at the bottom, leading to the equation T + 1 = 2(B - 1).
  • Others propose that if one bird comes down, the number of birds at the top and bottom will be equal, represented by T - 1 = B + 1.
  • A participant attempts to solve the equations but concludes that their answer is incorrect.
  • Another participant reiterates the equations and asks for the solution to the system, indicating a collaborative effort to solve the problem.
  • One participant provides a solution suggesting B = 5 and T = 7, but it is unclear if this is accepted by others.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is no consensus on the solution to the problem, as participants express differing views on the correctness of proposed solutions and calculations.

Contextual Notes

Participants rely on specific algebraic manipulations and interpretations of the problem's conditions, which may depend on assumptions not explicitly stated. The discussion includes corrections and challenges to earlier claims without resolving the overall problem.

mathdad
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Some birds are at the top of the tree while the others are at the botton, if one bird goes up, the birds of the top of the tree will be twice as the below of the tree while if one bird comes down the number of the birds at the top of the tree and below will be the same. How many birds are at the top and below of the tree?
 
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[TIKZ][/TIKZ]
RTCNTC said:
Some birds are at the top of the tree while the others are at the botton, if one bird goes up, the birds of the top of the tree will be twice as the below of the tree while if one bird comes down the number of the birds at the top of the tree and below will be thesame. How many birds are at the top and below of the tree?

I'll do most of it for you. You show us the rest.

T = # of birds at the Top of the Tree
B = # of birds at the Bottom of the Tree

Okay, you're almost done! Go!
 
tkhunny said:
[TIKZ][/TIKZ]

I'll do most of it for you. You show us the rest.

T = # of birds at the Top of the Tree
B = # of birds at the Bottom of the Tree

Okay, you're almost done! Go!

T = birds on top of tree

B = birds at the base of the tree

T = 2B
T - 1 = B

2B - 1 = B

2B - B = 1

B = 1

T = 2(1) or 2

Wrong, of course.
 
"Some birds are at the top of the tree while the others are at the bottom"

T = # of birds at the top
B = # of birds st the bottom

"if one bird goes up, the birds of the top of the tree will be twice as the below of the tree"

T + 1 = 2(B - 1)

"if one bird comes down the number of the birds at the top of the tree and below will be the same"

T - 1 = B + 1

What do you get when you solve the system?
 
RTCNTC said:
Wrong, of course.
We WILL have to work on that attitude. Take a deep breath. You CAN do it.
 
MarkFL said:
"Some birds are at the top of the tree while the others are at the bottom"

T = # of birds at the top
B = # of birds st the bottom

"if one bird goes up, the birds of the top of the tree will be twice as the below of the tree"

T + 1 = 2(B - 1)

"if one bird comes down the number of the birds at the top of the tree and below will be the same"

T - 1 = B + 1

What do you get when you solve the system?

Very good. I can take it from here.
 
MarkFL said:
"Some birds are at the top of the tree while the others are at the bottom"

T = # of birds at the top
B = # of birds st the bottom

"if one bird goes up, the birds of the top of the tree will be twice as the below of the tree"

T + 1 = 2(B - 1)

"if one bird comes down the number of the birds at the top of the tree and below will be the same"

T - 1 = B + 1

What do you get when you solve the system?

T = birds currently at top
B = birds currently at bottom

2(B-1) = T+1
T-1 = B+1
T = B +2
2B -2 = B +2 +1
B = 5
T = 7
 

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