How to Calculate the Quantity of Rice Purchasable with Given Amounts

Tackling a Common Mathematical Puzzle

Let's break down a problem that often puzzles people—how much rice can be purchased with a given amount if the price is known. This example will illustrate a classic question: if 25 kg of rice costs Rs 185, how much rice can be purchased for Rs 333?

Step-by-Step Solution

The first step in solving this puzzle is to determine the cost per kilogram of rice. Once we have this, we can easily calculate the total amount of rice that can be purchased with the given amount of money.

Method 1: Proportional Division

Using the proportional division method, we can set up the following equation:

185/25 333/x

To solve for x, the amount of rice that can be purchased for Rs 333, we need to cross-multiply and solve:

185x 25 * 333

x (25 * 333) / 185

x 8325 / 185

x 45 kg

Therefore, 45 kg of rice can be purchased for Rs 333 using this method.

Method 2: Cost per Kilogram

Another straightforward approach is to calculate the cost per kilogram of rice, then use that to determine how much rice can be bought with Rs 333.

To find the cost per kilogram of rice, we divide the total cost by the total weight:

Cost per kg 185 / 25 Rs 7.40

Now, we can use this cost per kg to find out how much rice can be purchased for Rs 333:

kg of rice 333 / 7.4 45 kg

Therefore, with Rs 333, one can purchase 45 kg of rice.

Additional Verification

Another method to verify the answer is to break down the cost:

Since 5 kg of rice costs Rs 37 (calculated as 185 / 35 37) and Rs 333 is 9 times 37, we can conclude that 9 times 5 kg (i.e., 45 kg) can be purchased for 9 times 37, which is indeed Rs 333.

In simpler terms, 5 kg of rice Rs 37, and for 9 times more, 45 kg of rice Rs 333.

Summary

To summarize, the amount of rice that can be purchased for Rs 333, given that 25 kg of rice costs Rs 185, is 45 kg using any of the above methods.

This problem demonstrates the importance of understanding basic arithmetic and proportional reasoning in real-world scenarios. Whether you're a student, a business owner, or simply someone looking to add a practical application to your mathematical skills, solving such puzzles can enhance your understanding of simple arithmetic and its relevance in everyday life.