The last brain teaser I posted seemed to be rather popular. Therefore, let's do another one.
This is a mathematical brain teaser pulled from the book "Mathematical Brain-Teasers" by J. A. H. Hunter and published by Dover Publications, Inc. in 1976.
The puzzle is entitled The Insurance Agent:
"So you're just forty," said Bill, flipping the pages of his rare book. "With three kids, eh? How old are they?"
"Lay off. You're not insuring them too." Bert laughed. "But figure it out for yourself. Their three ages add up to the number of this house, and multiplied together they make my age.
Bill thought hard. "I get what you mean, but I still can't tell their ages for sure."
"Forget it then," Bert told him, glancing at his watch. "The two older kids will be walking back from school now, so you'll meet them."
That was all Bill needed to know, and he gave the three ages without further delay.
What are they?
See below for the answer.
ANSWER:
There are several possibilities but only two make sense. The five possible combinations of ages are:
20,2 and 1;
10,4 and 1
10,2 and 2
8,5 and 1
5,4 and 2
I originally answered 5,4 and 2 which makes the house number 11. (5 X 4=20 20X2=40 which is Bert's age). The answer given in the book is 8,5 and 1. (8 X5=40 40X1=40 and this answer makes the house number 14).
The key clue to the puzzle is where Bert says the two oldest kids are walking home from school now. While 5, 4 and 2 is still possible, it is unlikely a 4 year old would be in school at that age. Therefore, it is more likely that the 8,5 and 1 answer is correct. A five year old could certainly be in kindergarten at that age and be walking home from school. The other options would only have one school age kid with the 20,2 and 1 option possibly having none.
How did you do?
