Comment 1 by jameshogg

Got the question right first time. I'm quite trained in maths, so I don't fall for that sort of thing easily:

x = bat y = ball

(all in cents for now, makes it easier)

x + y = 110 (total)

x - y = 100 (difference between them is 100 cents)

Second equation => x = y + 100, sub that into the first equation:

y + 100 + y = 110

2y = 10

y = 5

=> x = 105.

feels vilely smug

Okay. I'll get back to reading the rest of the article now...

I can't do the letter number thing:

110-100=10 10/2=5

Comment 7 by All About Meme :

Lily Pads, anyone?

(248)A = L ; A = initial area of lily pads; L = Area of lake (2n)A = L/2 ; n = number of days Substituting:

(2n)A = (248)A/2 (2n+1)A = (248)A 2n+1 = 248 n+1 = 48

n = 47

I don't know math for shit but this is how my brain sees it:

1=100% 50%=-1 48-1=47