X and Y are two different whole numbers greater than 1. Their sum is not greater than 100, and Y is greater than X. S and P are two mathematicians (and consequently perfect logicians); S knows the sum X + Y and P knows the product X * Y. Both S and P know all the information in this paragraph.
The following conversation occurs:
- S says "P does not know X and Y."
- P says "Now I know X and Y."
- S says "Now I also know X and Y."
What are X and Y?
This puzzle was first published by the Dutch mathematician Hans Freudenthal in 1969. The puzzle is also known as the Impossible Puzzle as it appears to provide insufficient information to solve it. A solution can be found in the Wikipedia page.
No comments:
Post a Comment