Three horses are standing in a triangular field, which is exactly 100 yards on each side. One horse stands at each corner; and simultaneously all three set off running. Each horse runs after the horse in the adjacent corner on his left, thus following a curved course, which terminates in the middle of the field, all three horses arriving there together. The horses obviously ran at the same speed, but just how far did they run?

If you multiply me by 2, subtract 1, and read the reverse the result you'll find me. Which numbers can I be?

A rich earl has become the owner of a piece of land, which to his dissatisfaction turned out to be nothing more than a big swamp. The earl wants to get rid of the swamp. A salesman advises him to use his fast-growing plants which can cover the swamp very quickly. "This plant doubles every day, tomorrow you will have two, the day after tomorrow four, etc. In 80 days, your swamp will be completely covered." The earl reacts: "80 days? This takes far too much time. Then just give me eight of these plants."

Question 1: What did the earl think?
Question 2: And what do you think?