It’s a new semester, and the professor known only as Doctor E. is back, sponsoring an all-new puzzle contest open to any UNI or high-school student who is bold enough to match wits with him. A cash prize of $60 will go to the person or team with the most points at the end of the semester, with prizes of $40 and $20 going to the runners up. Handsome certificates, suitable for framing, will go to all who wind up with outstanding scores.

Turning in the correct solution to this week’s puzzle by 1/28 will earn 2 puzzle-points. Turning in the correct solution along with a word containing three consecutive sets of double letters will earn 3 puzzle-points.

The members of the new rock band “Heterophenomenology” go out for a big meal after an intense concert. There are appetizers, entrees, desserts, and wine. The final bill (including tip) amounts to $600. They initially try to determine who owes what, but none of them are very good with figures. So they decide to split the bill equally. After they put their money in, they realize that two of them haven’t returned from the restroom. A search shows that they have skipped out without paying! The goniffs! So each remaining band-member has to put in an extra $25 to cover their share.

How many band members were there originally?

The deadline for sending in solutions has expired.  But feel free to take some time to work on this one, and click here to see the answer.   Alternatively, click here to see the current challenge.

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