Question

Aquarius has two measuring cups: one has a volume of exactly 150mL and the other has a volume of exactly 95mL. They have no markings on them for partial measurements, so Aquarius can only be certain of a measurement if one of the cups is completely filled. He can get water from the river using a measuring cup, and can pour it into a large bucket. He can also scoop water out of the bucket again using a measuring cup and put it back in the river.

(a) What is the smallest volume of water that Aquarius could exactly measure out into the bucket using only his two measuring cups?

(b) Find a procedure (with specific numbers) that Aquarius could use to measure out the amount in part (i.e. the smallest volume of water)

(a), using the bucket to hold water.

(c) Bonus: Describe in detail a step-by-step procedure that Aquarius could follow to measure out 15mL of water, but using ONLY his two measuring cups (and no bucket), and with the smallest number of pourings.

Answer 1