MW Puzzle Fun segments are not meant to be difficult puzzles, but only some playful fun. They are a great way to keep the mind in play by introducing various codes, ciphers, puzzles, and riddles to solve. They are also created to get better at armchair treasure hunts and other challenging games. When working on an armchair treasure hunt or puzzle it is often key to be observant, to think outside the box, and to be aware of any anomalies or patterns.
In MW Puzzle Fun #24 observation was one of the keys. Also knowing a little about the order of Mathematical Operations was needed to determine the correct answer. If a puzzler wasn’t sure on the order of operations, they could Google it to learn. So let’s look at MWPF #24. The ingredients in the cauldron being mixed are a ‘drop of blood, a batwing, and a feather’.
First step is to determine the number each ingredient values. If two drops of blood equals 30, then one equals 15. If four batwings equals 20, then one equals 5. And if 2 feathers equal 8, then one equals 4.
Next step is the order of operations. This is often remembered by PEMDAS – Parenthesis, Exponents, Multiply, Division, Addition, and Subtraction. An example: 8 – 4 ÷ 2 = 8 – (4÷2) = 8-2= 6.
So for the ingredients being mixed in the cauldron it would be: 15 + 5 x 4 = 15 + (5×4) = 15 + 20 = 35.
The answer to MW Puzzle Fun is 35.
MW Puzzle Fun #25 is below. The solution to the puzzle is a word. The answer will be posted next Monday, along with another MW Puzzle Fun. You can submit answers on the MW Forum via PM to myself there (Admin/Jenny).
