A man runs his car out of gas thereby completely emptying his 16 gallon tank. He only has a 3, a 6, and a 11 gallon container (and fortunately a wagon to carry the containers in) in his trunk. He has nothing else in which he can carry gas. He walks a few miles to a gas station, and as luck would have it the gauge on the pump is broken so he can not use that to measure the fuel. He is in a pretty remote area with only one gas station for miles. Gas costs $3.09⁹, and he only has a $50. Using only the containers provided, and only walking once to and from the gas station, how can he get exactly 16 gallons of gas into his car?

(In reply to solution by Daniel)

I think it would be easier to just fill the 3 gallon container, or even put just about a gallon into it. Much easier to carry. And at most 25 pounds you do not need the wagon, although it might be easier. With only a gallon it will be about 8.3 lbs. That indeed was my intended solution.

Posted by jduval on 2007-09-23 18:46:55