human
He built seven rods a day.
gpt
Why--how in the world, Mr Queed--
human
Let us see if I am right. Proceed. Read me what you have written down.
gpt
Let _x_ equal the number of rods he built each day,
human
Proceed.
gpt
Then _105_ divided by _x_ equals number of days consumed. And _105_ divided by _x - 2_ equals number of days consumed, if he had built _2_ rods less a day.
human
Of course.
gpt
And (_105_ ÷ _x - 2_) + _6_ = number of days consumed if it had taken him six days longer.
human
Nothing of the sort.
gpt
I don't see why, exactly.
human
When the text says 'six days longer,' it means longer than what?
gpt
Why--longer than ever.
human
Doubtless. But you must state it in terms of the problem.
gpt
In terms of the problem, murmured Fifi, her red-brown head bowed over the bewildering book--
human
Of course, said her teacher,
gpt
I--I'm really afraid I don't quite see. I'm dreadfully stupid, I know--
human
Take it this way then. You have set down here two facts. One fact is the number of days necessary under the old rate of progress; the other is the number of days necessary under the new rate. Now what is the difference between them?
gpt
Why--isn't that just what I don't know?
human
I can't say what you don't know. This is something that _I_ know very well.
gpt
But you know everything,
human
It tells you right there in the book.
gpt
I don't see it,
human
What is that six then?
gpt
Oh! _Now_ I see. It's the difference in the number of days consumed--isn't it?
human
Naturally. Now put down your equation. No, no! The greater the rate of progress, the fewer the number of days. Do not attempt to subtract the greater from the less.