I'm posting one puzzle, riddle, math, or statistical problem a day. Try to answer each one and post your answers in the comments section. I'll post the answer the next day. Even if you have the same answer as someone else, feel free to put up your answer, too!
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Logic Prevails This Week
When asked her 3 children's ages, Mrs. Muddled said that Alice is the youngest unless Bill is, and that if Carl isn't the youngest then Alice is the oldest. Who is the oldest and who is the youngest?
Alice is the oldest because Carl isn't the youngest because either Alice or Bill is. Bill then must be the youngest, since Alice is not, and Carl is left in the middle.
So, we know that Alice or Bill are the youngest, therefore Carl cannot be. So, since Carl isn't the youngest, Alice must be the oldest. That means Carl must be the middle child (since he can't be the youngest or the oldest) and Bill is therefore youngest.
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Oldest to youngest: Alice, Carl, Bill
ReplyDeleteAlice is the oldest because Carl isn't the youngest because either Alice or Bill is. Bill then must be the youngest, since Alice is not, and Carl is left in the middle.
ReplyDeleteSo, we know that Alice or Bill are the youngest, therefore Carl cannot be. So, since Carl isn't the youngest, Alice must be the oldest. That means Carl must be the middle child (since he can't be the youngest or the oldest) and Bill is therefore youngest.
ReplyDelete