Solve Mr. Denis & Joppy's Goats Weight Difference Problem

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a problem involving the weight difference between goats owned by Mr. Denis and Mr. Joppy. Participants explore how to determine the weight difference of the goats that need to be exchanged to equalize the average weight of the two groups. The scope includes mathematical reasoning and problem-solving related to averages and weight distribution.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning, Homework-related, Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • Mr. Denis has 5 goats with an average weight of 36 kg, totaling 180 kg, while Mr. Joppy has 5 goats with an average weight of 34 kg, totaling 170 kg.
  • Participants inquire about the combined weight of all 10 goats and how to achieve equal weight distribution between the two owners.
  • It is noted that the combined weight of the goats is 350 kg, leading to the conclusion that each man should ideally have 175 kg in total.
  • Some participants suggest that the weight difference of the exchanged goats could be 1 kg, while others propose it must be 2 kg based on their calculations.
  • One participant calculates that Mr. Denis needs to lose 5 kg while Mr. Joppy needs to gain 5 kg to reach equal weights.
  • There is confusion regarding the total weight difference needed, with some suggesting it is 10 kg and others clarifying that the difference in mass between the two traded goats should be 5 kg.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the weight difference of the exchanged goats, with some proposing 1 kg, others suggesting 2 kg, and a later reply indicating a need for a 5 kg difference. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the exact weight difference required.

Contextual Notes

Some calculations and assumptions made by participants are not fully detailed, leading to varying interpretations of the weight difference needed for the goats. The discussion reflects uncertainty in the mathematical reasoning applied.

Monoxdifly
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Mr. Denis has 5 goats with the average weight 36 kg while Mr. Joppy has 5 goats with the average weight 34 kg. If they exchange one of their goats so that their overall average weight is equal, what is the weight difference of their switched goats? I only know that Mr. Denis' goats' total weight is 180 kg and Mr. Joppy's is 170 kg. How to do it from there?
 
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What is the combined weight of all 10 goats? How much should each man have then if both are to have the same weight?
 
The combined weight of 10 goats is 350 kg and each man should have 35 kg per goat.
 
Yes, so each man should have a combined weight of (350/2) kg = 175 kg in goat weight. How much does each man need to gain/lose...that is, what should the difference in the weights of the two traded goats be?
 
1 kg?
 
Monoxdifly said:
1 kg?

How did you arrive at that?
 
MarkFL said:
How did you arrive at that?

Sorry, I mean 1 kg per person. So, the difference must be 2 kg.
 
If Mr. D has 180 kg and Mr. J has 170 kg, then for them to both have the same weight, Mr. D needs to lose 5 kg while Mr. J needs to gain 5 kg. This way they will both have 175 kg.
 
So, the answer is 10 kg?
 
  • #10
Monoxdifly said:
So, the answer is 10 kg?

No, they need to exchange two goats whose difference in mass is 5 kg.
 
  • #11
Oops, sorry. Thanks for the answer.
Geez,what happened to my brain?
 

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