Ten years ago I published a maths olympiad question from Singapore on the Guardian website, and it changed my life.‘Cheryl’s birthday problem’ went viral. Its unexpected success led to the birth of this column in May 2015. And here we are, almost 250 puzzles later.The original problem, aimed at smart 14-year-olds, featured Cheryl making a statement and a subsequent conversation by Albert and Bernard. (If you want a refresh, I’ve posted it at the bottom of this page.)The puzzle’s author, Joseph Yeo, who is senior lecturer at Singapore’s National Institute of Education, recently got back in touch. To celebrate the tenth anniversary, he has got the old gang back together, for one last hurrah.Cheryl’s house number problemCheryl: I have thought of two distinct one-digit numbers. The last digit of the product of the two numbers is the last digit of Bernard’s house number. What is the sum of these two numbers?Albert: I do not know what Bernard’s house number is.Bernard: I know my house number, of course, and I know what the sum of the two numbers is.Albert: At first, I did not know what the sum of the two numbers is, but now I know.What is the sum of the two numbers?I’l be back at 5pm UK with the solution.NO SPOILERS. Please discuss house numbers.As promised, this was the puzzle that kicked everything off:Cheryl’s birthday problemAlbert and Bernard just became friends with Cheryl, and they want to know when her birthday is. Cheryl gives them a list of 10 possible dates:May 15, May 16, May 19June 17, June 18July 14, July 16August 14, August 15, August 17Cheryl then tells Albert and Bernard separately the month and the day of her birthday respectively.Albert: I don’t know when Cheryl’s birthday is, but I know that Bernard doesn’t know too.Bernard: At first I don’t know when Cheryl’s birthday is, but I know now.Albert: Then I also know when Cheryl’s birthday is.So when is Cheryl’s birthday?For more on the background to the puzzle, readJoseph Yeo’s article here.I’ve been setting a puzzle here on alternate Mondays since 2015. I’m always on the look-out for great puzzles. If you would like to suggest one,email me.
Can you solve it? The pals that broke the internet, ten years on
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Celebrating a Decade of 'Cheryl’s Birthday Problem' and Its Impact on Math Puzzles"
The Guardian
9.1
TruthLens AI Summary
Ten years ago, a seemingly simple math problem known as 'Cheryl’s birthday problem' was published on the Guardian website, leading to unexpected viral success that significantly impacted the author's life. Originally designed for bright 14-year-olds, the problem revolves around a conversation between two friends, Albert and Bernard, and their attempts to deduce the date of Cheryl's birthday from limited information. The puzzle not only engaged readers but also laid the foundation for a column dedicated to mathematics and logic puzzles, which has since featured nearly 250 unique challenges. This anniversary prompted the puzzle's creator, Joseph Yeo, a senior lecturer at Singapore's National Institute of Education, to reconnect with the original contributors, celebrating a decade of mathematical exploration and community engagement.
To mark this milestone, Yeo introduced a new puzzle related to house numbers, continuing the tradition of stimulating intellectual curiosity among readers. The new problem involves Cheryl again, who has chosen two distinct one-digit numbers, and the challenge is to determine their sum based on clues provided by Albert and Bernard. As the dialogue unfolds, it becomes clear that the puzzle requires keen analytical skills and logical reasoning, much like the original birthday problem. The author has promised to reveal the solution later, encouraging readers to engage in discussions about the puzzle while maintaining an air of mystery. This ongoing series not only serves to entertain but also fosters a community of puzzle enthusiasts eager to tackle challenging math problems together.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article reflects on the viral nature of "Cheryl's birthday problem," a math puzzle that gained significant attention a decade ago. This retrospective not only celebrates the puzzle's impact on the writer's career but also serves as a reminder of the community's engagement with educational content. The piece invites readers to participate in solving a new puzzle, thus fostering a sense of involvement and intellectual challenge.
Purpose of the Article
The primary aim of this article appears to be to engage readers in mathematical thinking and problem-solving. By revisiting a popular puzzle, it seeks to generate nostalgia and reconnect with an audience that may have enjoyed similar content in the past. This approach also highlights the enduring appeal of puzzles and their role in education.
Public Perception and Community Engagement
The article likely aims to create a sense of community around intellectual curiosity. By encouraging discussions and problem-solving, it fosters a collaborative environment where readers can share their thoughts and insights. This engagement can enhance the public's perception of mathematics as an accessible and fun discipline.
Concealed Information
There seems to be no apparent hidden agenda or information within the article. It focuses on celebrating a mathematical puzzle and inviting participation, which aligns with its educational purpose. However, the nostalgia for past puzzles could also serve to distract from more pressing issues within the education system, such as curriculum changes or funding cuts.
Manipulative Elements
The manipulative aspect of this article is relatively low. It does not present misleading information or attempt to sway public opinion on controversial issues. Instead, it utilizes a lighthearted tone to encourage problem-solving, which can be seen as a positive manipulation of readers’ interests towards mathematics.
Trustworthiness of the Content
The article can be considered trustworthy as it references a well-known puzzle and its creator, Joseph Yeo. The transparent nature of the content, combined with its educational purpose, adds to its credibility. The engagement with an audience through a fun and challenging puzzle also reflects a genuine intention to promote learning.
Social and Economic Implications
While the article itself may not have direct social or economic implications, it highlights the importance of mathematics education. An increased interest in math puzzles could lead to greater engagement in STEM fields, potentially impacting future educational policies and career paths for students.
Audience Appeal
The content likely resonates with educators, students, and puzzle enthusiasts. It appeals to individuals who enjoy intellectual challenges and fosters a community of math lovers. By inviting discussions, it targets a demographic that values education and problem-solving.
Market Influence
While the article may not directly affect stock prices or markets, the emphasis on math and logic could inspire educational tech companies or publishers to create more engaging content. Companies focusing on educational tools could benefit from the positive association with problem-solving and critical thinking.
Geopolitical Context
The article does not specifically address current geopolitical issues but indirectly contributes to the global discourse on education. By promoting mathematical literacy, it aligns with broader goals of improving education systems worldwide.
AI Utilization
There is no evident indication that AI was used in the creation of this article. However, AI tools could potentially assist in generating engaging mathematical content or puzzles. If AI were involved, it might have influenced the tone and presentation of the puzzle, making it more accessible to a wider audience. An overall analysis suggests that the article is a celebration of mathematical puzzles, aiming to engage and inspire readers through intellectual challenge while fostering a sense of community. The content maintains a high level of trustworthiness and does not appear to manipulate or conceal information.