This is an interesting riddle shared by a tour guide.
Let’s see who is able to explain why
One sunny afternoon, Jack felt like eating bananas and went to the market. He came across a fruit stall with the label “BANANA, $10 per KG ”
Peter is the Stall Owner. Here is their conversation.
Jack : Can I buy 1/2 KG of banana skin and 1/2 KG of banana flesh?
Peter : Yes you can.
Jack : Ok, give me 1/2 KG of banana skin and 1/2 KG of banana flesh.
Jack took out $5 and gave Peter. Peter felt something fishy and confronted Jack as he should be paid $10 for 1 KG of banana.
Peter : Something is not right! It’s still short of $5!
Jack : What’s not right? I bought 1/2 KG of banana from you.
1 KG cost $10, isn’t 1/2 KG $5? 1/2 KG of banana consist of 1/2 KG of banana flesh and 1/2 KG of banana skin.
1/2 KG of banana skin and 1/2 KG of banana flesh would be 1/2 KG of banana and so if it goes by weight, 1/2 KG of banana skin would cost $2.50 and 1/2 KG of banana flesh would cost $2.50.
Peter think and think. He’s right, there’s nothing wrong with it since he only purchased 1/2 KG of Banana. He bought 1/2 KG of banana skin at $2.50 and 1/2 KG of banana flesh at $2.50 which makes up 1/2 kg of banana at $5.
With this in mind, Jack left with his banana and Peter was happy that he did some business.
HOWEVER, the truth is that Peter didn’t do a good business and is at a loss. Why? Explanation below !
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The fact is that Jack bought 1 KG of banana but only paid $5. Why? Because he changed the focus of the price of 1 KG of banana to the weight of the Banana Flesh and Skin. $10 is based on the weight of 1 KG of the WHOLE banana, not separated by the skin or flesh. Thus, 1/2 kg of banana skin + 1/2 kg of banana flesh is NOT EQUAL to 1/2 KG of banana but it is EQUAL to 1 KG of banana. Hence, Jack should be paying $10 for his purchase of 1 KG of banana ( Consist of 1/2 KG of flesh and 1/2 KG of skin ).