August 1, 1823: math problem

A. & B. agree to purchase a Tract of
Land Containing 300 Acres at $2 p^rAcre
Each having Three Hundred Dollars, But
A says to B., if you^will let me have the
north side of the Contract, I will allow
13/6 & you may have yours on the south
side at 10/6 p^r acre, now I Demand
what number of ^Acres each man is to
have, and prove it by Acres & price

To do this sum you must suppose that
each man agreeable to the Original Contract
is to get 150 Acres a piece, But from the
Circu^mstance of A^s making the proposition at
13/6 the Calculation is first made, & it appears
that his 150 Acres at that price amounts to
$337” 50¢ leaving a deficiency On B^s side of
$37”50¢ now to obtain that amount B. must
necessarily allow him (A.) 13/6 for 16⅔ Acres
of Land, which will make each $300.
Consequently A has 133⅓ Acres & B has 166⅔
Acres

[calculations]

Grasty Store
Pittsy County

Jeremiah W Graves
August 1st 1823