Question

Holmes observed that all but two of the jewels were rubies, that all but two of them were emeralds, and that all but two of them were diamonds. How many jewels were there?

A) 2
B) 3
C) 4
D) 5

Answer 1

To determine the number of jewels, we can use the information provided to set up an equation and solve for the number of jewels. The answer is 3 jewels in total.

Step-by-step explanation:

To determine the number of jewels, we can start by assuming there are x rubies, y emeralds, and z diamonds. According to the information given, all but two of the jewels were rubies, emeralds, and diamonds. This means that x - 2 jewels are rubies, y - 2 jewels are emeralds, and z - 2 jewels are diamonds.

Since all the remaining jewels (x-2, y-2, and z-2) are the same, we can set up the equation:

(x - 2) = (y - 2) = (z - 2)

From this equation, we can deduce that the number of jewels must be equal to 2 + 2 + 2 = 6. However, since we are looking for the number of different types of jewels, the answer is 3. Therefore, there were 3 jewels in total.