Do Not Pay Any Less, Mrs Mess Puzzle - Solution
The Puzzle:
She gave the attendant what she thought were two $50 notes, (actually two $100 notes).
The attendant was sleepy and didn't notice either, so he gave Mrs Mess what he thought were three $10 notes (actually three $50 notes).
Who ended up better off than they should?
Our Solution:Mrs Mess comes away better off than she should, by $20 in fact. Despite the warning in the title, Mrs Mess did pay less than she should have done!
Cost of furniture: $70
Mrs Mess paid: $100 x 2 = $200
Change received: $50 x 3 = $150
Net payment: $200 - $150 = $50
Profit for Mrs Mess: $70 - $50 = $20
Cost of furniture: $70
Mrs Mess paid: $100 x 2 = $200
Change received: $50 x 3 = $150
Net payment: $200 - $150 = $50
Profit for Mrs Mess: $70 - $50 = $20
Puzzle Author: Stephen Froggatt