Nursery rhyme maths question?

Question

Dear all,

im not sure if i should even be asking this here:) i have a uni assignment to do. its a nursery rhyme i have to find the answer and justufy it. it has no right or wrong as long as you can justify it.

here we go:

As I was going to St Ives

I met a man with seven wives

Every wife had seven sacks

Every sack had seven cats

Every cat had seven kits

Kits, cats, sacks and wives

How many were going to St Ives?

A little confusing isnt it?? I would appreciate if anyone can help me. and explain how u got the answer.

thanx

Answer 1

The answer is one.  YOU're the one going to St. Ives.  The rest are going away from St. Ives.  

Answer 2

(7 wives X 7 sacks X 7 cats X 7 kits )=2401 + the man + you = 2403 were going to St. Ives, IF they were all on the way to St. Ives when you met them. If they were not on their way to St. Ives then there was only one, you.