Earlier todayI set you the following problem featuring Albert, Bernard and Cheryl, the protagonists in aviral puzzle from a decade ago. Here it is again with the solution.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?Solution10Let Cheryl’s two numbers beaandb. Here is a table of possible values for the final digit ofab, with the possible pairs whose product has that final digit, and the possible sumsa+b.View image in fullscreenSay Bernard’s house number ends in 2. Cheryl may have thought of 1 and 2 (1 x 2 = 2), or 3 and 4 (3 x 4 = 12), or 8 and 9 (8 x 9 = 72). So the suma+bcould be 3, 7, 17 etc. Bernard cannot know with 100 per cent certainty the value ofa+b.The only time Bernard can know the sum is when there is only one possibility fora+b. If you look at the table, the only timea+bis unique is when the last digit is 1 or 9. In both cases, the sum is 10.At the end of the process we do not know Cheryl’s numbers. We just know their sum.I hope you enjoyed the puzzle – I’ll be back in two weeks.If you want to see the solution for the Cheryl’s birthday problem,click here.Thanks to Joseph Yeo for today’s puzzle.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.
Did you solve it? The pals that broke the internet, ten years on
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Revisiting a Decade-Old Logic Puzzle Involving Albert, Bernard, and Cheryl"
The Guardian
8.9
TruthLens AI Summary
The article revisits a well-known logic puzzle involving three characters: Albert, Bernard, and Cheryl. In this puzzle, Cheryl has two distinct one-digit numbers, and the last digit of their product corresponds to the last digit of Bernard's house number. The challenge presented is to determine the sum of these two numbers. Albert, who initially does not know the sum, expresses his uncertainty, while Bernard claims to know his house number and the sum of the two numbers. As the conversation unfolds, Albert eventually deduces the sum after considering Bernard's statements. The crux of the puzzle lies in the logical deductions made by the characters based on the information they possess and the implications of their knowledge on the possible values of Cheryl's numbers. The solution reveals that the only unique sums occur when the last digit of the product is 1 or 9, leading to a sum of 10 for Cheryl's numbers.
The article also emphasizes the importance of logical reasoning in solving such puzzles, highlighting how the knowledge of one character can influence the deductions of another. By examining the possible pairs of numbers and their products, the article illustrates the process of elimination that ultimately leads to the conclusion that the sum of Cheryl's numbers is 10. This puzzle, originally viral ten years ago, continues to engage puzzle enthusiasts, and the author encourages readers to submit their own puzzles for future consideration. The article serves not only as a solution to the problem but also as a reminder of the enduring appeal of logic puzzles in stimulating critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article revisits a famous puzzle involving the characters Albert, Bernard, and Cheryl, which captivated the internet a decade ago. By sharing the puzzle and its solution, the piece aims to engage readers in a nostalgic and intellectual exercise. The choice to highlight this puzzle also reflects a broader trend in media where intellectual challenges and brain teasers attract interest and foster interaction among audiences.
Purpose of Publication
The intent behind this article appears to be multifaceted. Firstly, it serves to entertain and challenge readers, inviting them to engage with a classic puzzle that has re-emerged in popularity. This kind of content can enhance reader loyalty and encourage return visits to the platform, as puzzle enthusiasts often seek out fresh challenges. Additionally, it promotes a sense of community among those who enjoy problem-solving and intellectual discussions.
Public Perception
The piece likely aims to cultivate an image of the publication as a source of engaging and thought-provoking content. It positions the platform as not just a news outlet, but also a space for intellectual stimulation. This could appeal to a demographic that values cognitive challenges and might view the publication as a leader in curating such content.
Potential Omissions
While the article focuses on a light-hearted puzzle, it is possible that it diverts attention from more pressing news stories or societal issues at the moment. By engaging readers with a nostalgic puzzle, the publication may unintentionally obscure discussions on current events, allowing readers to escape from daily realities.
Manipulative Elements
The article seems to be low in manipulativeness since it does not present controversial opinions or narratives; it simply revisits an intellectual challenge. However, the focus on puzzles can distract from more serious topics, which may be considered a form of manipulation depending on readers' perspectives on the importance of current news.
Truthfulness of Content
The article is factual in nature, presenting a well-known puzzle with a clear solution. Its content is grounded in mathematical reasoning, making it a reliable source for those interested in logic puzzles.
Societal Impact
While the immediate effects on society from this article may be minimal, it fosters engagement in intellectual discourse, which can lead to a more informed and thoughtful community. Long-term, such engagement could encourage critical thinking skills among readers, indirectly influencing societal discussions on various topics.
Supportive Communities
The article likely appeals to communities that prioritize education, puzzle-solving, and intellectual challenges. This includes educators, students, and enthusiasts of logic and mathematics.
Market Implications
Given the nature of the article, it is unlikely to have a direct impact on stock markets or economic trends. However, it could influence the market for educational apps or puzzle books, as increased interest in puzzles may lead to higher sales in those sectors.
Global Power Dynamics
There are no significant implications regarding global power dynamics in this article; it focuses on a niche intellectual challenge rather than geopolitical issues or current affairs.
AI Involvement
The writing style suggests potential AI involvement, particularly in generating engaging and concise content. Models like GPT-3 could have been used to ensure clarity and coherence in presenting the puzzle. The overall narrative structure may reflect AI's ability to synthesize complex information into accessible formats.
Manipulative Aspects
While the article does not exhibit overt manipulation, it could be interpreted as a subtle distraction from serious news. The choice of a puzzle over more pressing issues might lead to questions about editorial priorities. In conclusion, this article serves as an engaging reminder of a classic puzzle, stimulating thought and discussion among readers. It effectively combines entertainment with intellectual engagement, although it may divert attention from more significant issues in society. The reliability of the content is high due to its factual basis in mathematics.