Question

A log is partly buried in the mud. One third of the log is buried and 8 meters of the log are above ground. What is the total length of the log?

Answer 1

12

Explanation:

The answer is 12 because if 1/3 of the log is buried then 2/3 of the log is 8 meters. 8 divided by 2 is 4 so you know that 1/3 of the log is 4 meters. Then you just multiply 4 times 3 or add 4 and 8.

Answer 2

12 meters

Explanation:

see image. If 1/3 log is buried, then 2/3 (the rest of it) log is above ground. If 8meters of log is 2/3 of the log, that is 8 meters is 2 parts, then each part is 4 meters.

2 parts (thirds!) above ground:

8 meters

1 part (one-third) below ground:

4 meters

Total is 8 + 4 =12

or 3×4 = 12

The whole log is 12 meters.