Short Story Level 1 Puzzle

Welcome to Maths For Fun – where mathematical curiosity meets pure enjoyment for learners of all ages! Founded by a team of lifelong maths enthusiasts, we believe that numbers aren’t just for tests – they’re for exploration, discovery, and delight. Whether you’re eight or eighty, a beginner or a seasoned problem solver, you’ll find a growing collection of logic based games and puzzles that cover every corner of mathematics.

The Cinema Snack Puzzle

It was movie night, and three friends stood at the snack counter arguing over what to get. Jamie bought a popcorn and two drinks and paid £10. Priya ordered two popcorns and one drink and paid £11. Later, Max wandered up with three popcorns and three drinks and was charged £21.

As they waited for the previews to start, Jamie frowned at the receipts. “That doesn’t make sense,” he said. “If we’re paying different amounts, we should be able to work out what each thing costs.”

Priya grinned. “You’re saying we have a maths mystery before the film even begins?”

Max laughed. “Alright then, Sherlock – let’s see if you can solve it.”

The lights dimmed as Jamie scribbled on the back of a ticket stub, lining up the prices like clues in a case. Just before the opening credits rolled, he whispered triumphantly, “Got it!”