by Bill Graham

(A census taker is a government employee who collects data on U.S. citizens such as jobs, salaries, ages, etc.).

Henrietta has gotten a summer job as a census taker. She goes to his first house and knocks on the door. A man answers. She politely introduces herself and asks him how many children he has. He politely tells her he has three children. She asks him how old they are. He says he won't tell her, but he will give her some hints. He says that the product of their ages is 36, and the sum of their ages is one more than the number of the house across the street (pointing to the house). Henrietta thinks to herself, "He is not being very cooperative. This sounds like one of those Problems of the Week I used to have in math class. But I am a smart gal and I am sure I can figure this out." So she thanks the man and leaves.

But, she comes back an hour later, apologizes for bothering him again, and tells him that she still can't figure out the ages of his three children. He is very apologetic and says, "I'm really sorry. I forgot to tell you that my oldest child likes peanut butter, jalapeņo and banana sandwiches."

Henrietta says, "Great! Now I know the ages of your kids."

If Henrietta can figure this out, so can you! Get to work!