Subscribe now

Puzzle #244: Can you work out how fast the stagecoach was moving?

Can you solve this week’s arithmetical puzzle, Wheel-to-reel? Plus the answer to puzzle #243

18 October 2023

#244 Wheel-to-reel

Set by Zoe Mensch

Jim Ford and his daughter Jade were leaving the Old Hat Cinema Club after watching the classic silent western Sunset At Cactus Rock.

“What did you think?” asked Jim. “It was alright,” said Jade, “but the CGI wasn’t great. At the end, when the stagecoach was at top speed, none of the wheels were moving!”

“Ah,” smiled Jim. “That’s because those old movies were filmed at 16 frames per second.” Jade’s eyes glazed over as her dad launched into more western nerdery. “Those coaches were called ‘four-yarders’ because the circumference of the back wheels was 4 yards.”…

Article amended on 7 November 2023

The solution to Puzzle#243 Emmental arithmetic was updated.

Sign up to our weekly newsletter

Receive a weekly dose of discovery in your inbox! We'll also keep you up to date with New Scientist events and special offers.

Sign up

To continue reading, subscribe today with our introductory offers

View introductory offers

No commitment, cancel anytime*

Offer ends 28th October 2023.

*Cancel anytime within 14 days of payment to receive a refund on unserved issues.

Inclusive of applicable taxes (VAT)

or

Existing subscribers

Sign in to your account