PROBLEM

Over the top of a fence is placed a Rope, the same amount on both sides. The Rope weights 1/3 pounds per foot. On one end of the Rope hangs a Monkey holding a Banana and on the other end is a Weight, equal in weight to the weight of the Monkey.

The Banana weights 2 ounces per inch.

The length of the Rope (in feet) is equal to the age of the Monkey. The weight of the Monkey (in ounces) is as much as the age of the Monkey's Mother. The combined age of the Monkey and its Mother is 30 years.

The weight of the Banana plus 1/2 the weight of the Monkey is 1/4 as much as the sum of the weights of the Weight and the Rope where all weights are in the same units.

The Monkey's Mother is 1/2 as old as the Monkey will be when it is 3 times as old as its Mother was when she was 1/2 as old as the Monkey will be when it is twice as old as it is now.

QUESTION: What is the length of the Banana?

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(Send your solution to email at rjc7346@yahoo.com, then I will send to you the correct solution)
(The only person that I know of who solved the problem the first time has a PhD in Math)

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