Terrible tofu problem sends students scurrying to guidance counselor
[1]
A large cubic block of tofu is offered to three people: Amy, Betty, and Chloe.
Amy cuts the first slice, one centimeter thick, off the very top of the cube.
Betty cuts a slice, two centimeters thick, off the left side of the remaining block.
Chloe cuts a slice, three centimeters thick, off the front of the remaining block.
After they take their slices, only 81.2% of the tofu remains behind.
Find the original, uncut, volume V of the cube of tofu.
Send your answer to [email protected] [2] for a chance to win a Tucker’s ice cream gift card.
Last week’s winner [3] was Jeremy Scheirer with V = 821 mph.
Jeff Smith is a former Math teacher and a retired US Navy Lieutenant Commander. Reach him at [email protected] [4].