Henry Ernest Dudeney/Puzzles and Curious Problems/24 - The Two Turkeys/Solution

by : $24$

 * The Two Turkeys

Solution

 * $16$ pounds.

Proof
Let $L$ and $S$ pounds be the weight of the large and small turkeys together.

Let all prices be considered in pence in order to reduce the need to handle fractions.

The price in pence per pound for the large turkey is:
 * $\dfrac {24 \times 12 + 8} L = \dfrac {296} L$

The price in pence per pound for the large turkey is:
 * $\dfrac {6 \times 12 + 10} S = \dfrac {82} S$

We have:

Only the positive root is required here.

Hence the result.