This informative post will be posted on Saturday along with my usual writing.  You are invited to participate with the opening question.

Brain Teaser Question

Are there any math wizards out there?  In 30 seconds, with or without a calculator, solve the value of this equation:

2/3  x  3/4  x  4/5  x  5/6  x  6/7

(answer found at the end of this post)

Featured Facts

One of nature’s most magnificent creatures is the Monarch butterfly.  Before one sees this beautiful creation, there is time to appreciate the Monarch caterpillar.

Here are some characteristics of the Monarch caterpillar:

• Color:  Bands of yellow, black, and white
• Habitat:  Milkweed plants (feeding on their leaves)
• Description:  Plump caterpillar with bold stripes and a rear “fake antennae”

The life cycle of a Monarch caterpillar begins when a female adult butterfly lays single eggs on the underside of milkweed leaves.  Eggs will later hatch into tiny larvae who will feed on the leaves of the milkweed plant.  Eventually the mature caterpillar finds a spot from which to hang head-down in a J-shape.  It later molts and forms a jade-green chrysalis around itself.

Many people plant milkweed in their gardens to attract Monarch butterflies.  Milkweed is the only food the caterpillar will eat.  The toxins from the milkweed plant make the caterpillar and adult butterfly poisonous to birds and other predators.

left to right:  monarch caterpillar feeding on a leaf and monarch butterfly gingerly landing on a leaf. (courtesy of pinterest)

Answer to Brain Teaser Question

2/7

This is one problem that can be done faster without a calculator.  Cross out any common numerators and denominators:  That is, cross out the 3s, 4s, 5s, and 6s.  You are left with 2/7.