A math problem from 1876
tjkillian
Posts: 5,578 ✭✭✭
I was reading a math book from 1876 and I found this math problem. For me, I found it quite interesting, the last part that is.
M.S. Smith, Detroit Michigan, importer of watches, etc., received an invoice of 3 cases of Swiss watches, costing 22800 francs; duty 25%; cost of transportation 35 francs; commission to agent in Geneva 2 1/2%. What was the cost in greenbacks, gold being 112 1/2?
From appendix:
Value of Foreign Coins in U.S. Money (gold) as proclaimed by the Secretary of the Tresury January 1, 1875
Switzerland Franc G & S .19,3
M.S. Smith, Detroit Michigan, importer of watches, etc., received an invoice of 3 cases of Swiss watches, costing 22800 francs; duty 25%; cost of transportation 35 francs; commission to agent in Geneva 2 1/2%. What was the cost in greenbacks, gold being 112 1/2?
From appendix:
Value of Foreign Coins in U.S. Money (gold) as proclaimed by the Secretary of the Tresury January 1, 1875
Switzerland Franc G & S .19,3
Tom
0
Comments
<< <i>I was reading a math book from 1876 >>
You must really get another hobby!
Otherwise -- interesting question. I doubt most kids now even know where Switzerland is, no less they make great watches.
Michael
If their 19,3 means there are 19.3 SFr to a dollar, then the final answer should be $1,508.03 - but I have no idea how the 112 1/2 calculates into the equation.
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http://www.cdaughtrey.com
USAF veteran, 1986-1996 :: support our troops - the American way.
<< <i>No clue what the question is. I don't see where it can be answered with the information given. It doesn't tell you what 112 1/2 means...per ounce? per pound? It also doesn't tell you how to calculate Francs into dollars, from what I can read of their vague hints. The overall cost would be 29,105 SFr. How that calculates into dollars is a complete mystery. >>
Ok, I shall help you. The interesting part is that a greenback did not equal gold, i.e. a $10 gold piece would cost $11.25 in paper. Next, the Swiss franc cost $0.193, in gold. The franc's value was tied to a gold dollar. Its value was dictated by the Secretary of the Tresury.
Tom
I wonder what the .7c discrepancy is.
<< <i>
<< <i>I was reading a math book from 1876 >>
You must really get another hobby!
Otherwise -- interesting question. I doubt most kids now even know where Switzerland is, no less they make great watches.
Michael >>
Of course they know about the watches!! Don't you know that there is a thriving black market in the public High Schools?!
42/92
So, I agree with Conder101's number.
Cameron Kiefer
So it assumed I would understand this jargon, which I didn't. No such thing exists today that I know of. The conversaion would have been simple if it had been at least somewhat explanatory as to what that statement was saying.
The Lincoln cent store:
http://www.lincolncent.com
My numismatic art work:
http://www.cdaughtrey.com
USAF veteran, 1986-1996 :: support our troops - the American way.
Tom