Two classic word problems with a similar background are mathematically modeled and a solution is provided. The first problem, the puzzle of the "Dutchmen's Wives", can be found as early as 1739 in a women's magazine (May (1739). The Ladies Diary). A similar problem (“Find Ada's Surname”, Workman (1906)) was formulated at the beginning of the last century. The mathematical model leads to a Diophantine quadratic equation, which can be solved using the third binomial formula and a prime factor analysis. First, a "stupid trial and error method" (brute force) is used to search for a solution. The CASIO-calculator/emulator ClassPad II will be used.

The first word problem: the puzzle of the “Dutchmen's Wives” “There came three Dutchmen of my acquaintance to see me, being lately married. The men’s names were Hendrick, Claas, and Cornelius; the women’s, Geertruii, Catriin, and Anna. But I forgot the name of each man’s wife. They told me they had been at market to buy hogs. Each person bought as many hogs as they gave shillings for each hog. Hendrick bought 23 hogs more than Catriin, and Claas bought 11 more than Geertruii; likewise, each man laid out three guineas more than his wife. I desire to know the name of each man’s wife.” May (1739), Dudeney (1917), Hemme (2019).

The second word problem: the puzzle “Find Ada's Surname” Dudeney (1917), Workman(1906,1918). We want to sensitize the pupils to MINT (mathematics, computer science (informatics), natural sciences and technology) and to link interest with personal experiences. We show the pupils that MINT is much more than the cliché of mathematics and computer programming. For this purpose, the inhibition threshold for dealing with MINT should be lowered in the school project on the basis of playful, project-oriented didactics and at the same time interest in the topic should be encouraged.

Various projects are available. “In conclusions, we point to the fact that there are several ways to demonstrate interrelations between traditional Maths and IT.” Hvorecký, Korenova, Barot (2022).