Mathematical Puzzles

Puzzles, Riddles with Mathematics?

Posted on May 3, 2010

Yesterday I got a mail from one of my old friend, who is a genius in mathematics and one of the best critic of my work. He posed a simple question in that mail. I believe that simple question is relevant for all.

"Why are you mixing puzzles, riddles or brainteasers with mathematics?"

Actually he wanted to ask why I am posting puzzles, riddles or brainteasers on QuickerMaths.com

I thought of many points. But don't worry I will not burden you with "Why to Solve Puzzles?" list.

I would like this answer to come from some discussion between ourselves. I am posing 2 mathematical puzzles and one logical puzzle or riddle. The aim is to know how mathematics help us in diagnosing the problem and going beyond the obvious.

Mathematical Puzzles

This puzzle uses simple counting. Love with numbers prevent you from going wrong. Try yourself.

In the Sareen family each daughter has the same number of brothers as she has sisters and each son has twice as many sisters as he has brothers. Now can you tell me how many sons and how many daughters do the Sareen family have?

Second one examines your observation with respect to calendar -

One day Kerry celebrated her birthday. Two days later her older twin brother, Terry, celebrated his birthday. How come?

Logical Reasoning Puzzle

Now the next one is very common or popular puzzle. I am citing this as an example to prove that, the way a mathematician or simply a layman like me or you who loves mathematics, will solve it is different from a maths hater. Here is the logical riddle -

A farmer was going to town with a fox, a goose and a sack of corn. When he came to a stream, he had to cross in a tiny boat, and could only take across one thing at a time. However, if he left the fox alone with the goose, the fox would eat the goose, and if he left the goose alone with the corn, the goose would eat the corn. How does he get them all safely over the stream?

Friends, lets discuss to get the answer for me.

Posted by Vineet Patawari

Filed under: Puzzles Leave a comment

Comments (9) Trackbacks (0) ( subscribe to comments on this post )

Rohit
August 21st, 2012 - 23:28

4 sisters and 3 boys…

a very simple question of 2 var and 2 equation..
let x number of girls, y number of boys

eq 1) ==> x -1 = y

ea2) ==> 2x = y – 1

x = 4, y = 3

( REPLY )
Chad007
January 11th, 2012 - 14:45

Logical Reasoning:
1st round trip : Man takes the goose returns alone.
2nd round trip : Man takes the corn returns with the goose.
3rd round trip : Man takes the fox returns alone.
4th trip: Man takes the goose.

All have crossed..!!

Mathematical Puzzle (No.2) :
Kerry born on 28th Feb of non leap year at 24:00 hrs or few sec before and Jerry born on 1st Mar at 00:00 hrs orfew secs later.

( REPLY )
shivam
June 22nd, 2011 - 13:04

sanat

( REPLY )
shivam
June 22nd, 2011 - 13:03

i couldn;t understand the answer

( REPLY )
Valarie Gutt
April 9th, 2011 - 14:15

Now, it really is a good start but i’ll have to look into that a bit more. Will let you know exactly what else i’ve found.

( REPLY )
LAY
June 9th, 2010 - 03:27

three brothers and four sisters…

( REPLY )
- Vamsi krishna
  August 19th, 2010 - 17:12
  
  Can you please explain your answer ..!
  
  ( REPLY )
sanat
May 4th, 2010 - 13:03

first trip- man and goose return alone
second trip -MAN and corn and return with goose.
third trip – man with fox
fourth trip man with goose.

( REPLY )
sanat
May 4th, 2010 - 13:00

four sisters and three brothers

( REPLY )

Special Offers!

QuickerMaths.com users search here for ANY book you wish to buy and get huge discounts

Who is behind QuickerMaths?

I am Vineet Patawari - PGDM (IIM Indore), ACA, B.Com(H). My passion for Mathematics, specially Vedic Maths encouraged me to start QuickerMaths

I believe that if trained properly using powerful tools like Vedic Maths, the immense intellect of human mind can be ignited instantly - find out more