can i set up an equation for this type of word problem?
Two men, each weigh 200 lbs, and their two sons weighing 100lbs each, cross a river in a small boat that can carry only 200lbs. How did they managed to cross river?

Question

can i set up an equation for this type of word problem? 
 Two men, each weigh 200 lbs,  and their two sons weighing 100lbs each, cross a river in a small boat that can carry only 200lbs. How did they managed to cross river?

anonymous · Answer

2 boys cross river. One small boy stays one small boy goes back and stays. One 200 lb man crosses. One small boy goes back across leaving man on other side. Both small boys cross again. One small boy crosses back leaving one man and other boy on other side. This small boy stays back on original side allowing 200 lb man to cross. The second large man crosses by himself leaving small boy behind. Once across, the man stays and sends the small boy back to get the other small boy on the other side. Both small boys cross together. Now everyone has crossed the river safely.

anonymous · Answer

but this is a math class. Where we set up equations. is this possible for this type of riddle type of problem?

confluxepic · Answer

It would take a lot of work and I am not sure how to do it.

confluxepic · Answer

I like the question.

confluxepic · Answer

It is more interesting and fun than other math questions.

confluxepic · Answer

@TheSmartOne

confluxepic · Answer

@nightwielder

thesmartone · Answer

I don't think it is possible to write it as a equation @helpmath123 @confluxepic @nightwielder

thesmartone · Answer

Let me tag some people who I think can help. @jim_thompson5910 @mathstudent55 @dumbcow @iambatman

anonymous · Answer

I figured. I just write down what I have. Thanks!

anonymous · Answer

Oh thank you so much @TheSmartOne! Really appreciate it.

mathstudent55 · Answer

Let's call the men A and B, and the boys a and b
The sides are 1 and 2
                                                                                      At the end of trip
Each Trip                                                                         Side 1      Side 2
Trip 1: a and b go to side 2                                                AB            ab
Trip 2: a goes back to side 1                                              ABa           b
Trip 3: A goes to side 2                                                      Ba             Ab
Trip 4: b goes back to side 1                                              Bab           A
Trip 5: a and b go to side 2                                                B               Aab
Trip 6: a goes back to side 1                                              Ba              Ab
Trip 7: B goes to side 2                                                      a                ABb
Trip 8: b goes to side 1                                                      ab             AB
Trip 9: a and b go to side 2                                                                 ABab

mathstudent55 · Answer

I don't think this can be written as an equation.

anonymous · Answer

Thanks everyone

thesmartone · Answer

No problem. @mathstudent55 You explained it pretty well.