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brushing teeth via Shutterstock

Maths Week: Thursday's puzzle of the day

We’re setting you a little brainteaser each day this week to highlight a drive to improve the country’s numeracy skills.

ENGAGE THOSE BRAINS, folks: we have a teasing question for you.

Each afternoon this week, we’ll be setting you a (not too) tough riddle to get the cogs whirring and test your mathematical mettle.

If this prospect fills you with either a. joy, or b. dread, the mathsweek.ie site is worth a look – with events for maths fans and for those who might feel the need to brush up on their numeracy skills. The events are running from now until Sunday.

Thursday’s puzzle:

I realised that I take around 60 seconds to brush my teeth and I’m in the habit of leaving the tap running. I measured that the tap will fill a 2-litre jug in 16 seconds. I decided to just allow the water to flow while I was rinsing the brush and my mouth. I could accomplish this in 10 seconds.

Assuming that I brush my teeth twice a day at home, how much water will I save in a year?


Poll Results:

4,562.5 litres per year (2284)
2,757 litres per year (499)
3,230 litres per year (459)
3,874.75 litres per year (267)

All answers will be revealed tomorrow afternoon. You’ll see what other readers are thinking when you make your choice above and the pie chart shows the most popular option. (We’re not saying that the most popular will be the right one!)

Monday’s puzzle>

Tuesday’s puzzle>

Wednesday’s puzzle>

These handy tips will help develop your child’s maths skills (without them knowing it)>

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    Mute BiaMaith (good food)
    Favourite BiaMaith (good food)
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    Dec 22nd 2014, 7:01 PM

    Can you all seriously stop thinking about the parents for one moment and think of the six kids.
    Who cares if the parents messed up dramatically time and time again. SERIOUSLY LIKE!
    THIS IS NOT ABOUT THE PARENTS AND THEIR PROBLEMS!!!
    This is about six kids and that is it.
    If you don’t get that then I really don’t know that to say.
    I can close my eyes and smile when I think of the wonderful Christmas’s I have had thanks to my mum and dad. Most of us can.
    IS IT TO MUCH TO ASK that for one the lot of you shut up about your politics etc and think of six kids and how magical we can make their Christmas #itsnotaboutme

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    Mute Morelove Lesshate
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    Dec 22nd 2014, 7:40 PM

    Well said Bia Maith, and fair play to you. The world needs more compassionate people like you. It is about the children, it’s Christmas for God’s sake!

    You will be helping to give these children some happy Christmas memories and that’s a wonderful gift. I’m so sorry about your Mother by the way, she obviously did a great job bringing you up! Wishing you a very happy Christmas and all the best for 2015.

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    Mute Annette Larkin
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    Dec 22nd 2014, 7:56 PM

    Can I put money into your bank account towards getting the kids are present? It won’t be delivered if I ordere something and have it delivered

    116
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    Mute Joan Murphy
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    Dec 22nd 2014, 7:12 PM

    I wonder how this family is homeless ? like where are they now and up until Christmas day and where will they be living after Christmas ??

    87
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    Mute Joan Murphy
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    Dec 22nd 2014, 8:10 PM

    Sorry but 910 euro a month alone for 7 kids from child benefit , on top of the social that her and her partner are receiving per week ( assuming the are not working ) , they would also be entitled to rent allowance too , am I missing something here ??

    167
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    Mute Karen NíDhochartaigh
    Favourite Karen NíDhochartaigh
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    Dec 22nd 2014, 9:28 PM

    Finding a house under the rent allowance limit is next to impossible right now. As for the rest I can not comment on.

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    Mute Anne Marie Devlin
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    Dec 22nd 2014, 6:54 PM

    @jiminy, Vincent and others. I’ve a great idea. Why doesn’t the state just take the children of those who have fallen on hard times into care?There must be loads of industrial schools lying empty. Hardly surprising we have such an appalling history when it comes to women and children when attitudes have barely changed.

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    Mute liam driver
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    Dec 22nd 2014, 6:37 PM

    Very good offer for that family. I don’t understand how he wises to remain in secret and yet contact the journal

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    Mute Paul Harte
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    Dec 22nd 2014, 6:52 PM

    A lot of negative comments! Wonder why that is? Negativity in the mind, people you should be more positive. May lead to depression. PMA people, PMA.

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    Mute Louis Jacob
    Favourite Louis Jacob
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    Dec 22nd 2014, 6:08 PM

    what happens then?

    30
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