18 Jul '03 17:47>2 edits
As I am at my wits end trying to figure out the 2 switch problem, I thought I'd post one of my own. Can't remember where I got this from but it is one of my favourites...
A man has three sons. He lines them up so that the eldest (and tallest) is at the back looking down on the middle son, who in turn, is looking down on the youngest (and smallest) son. He then tells them that he has three blue caps and two red caps and that he is going to choose three of the five hats and place one of each of their heads such that the tallest son can see the colour of both the other sons' hats, the middle son can see the colour of the smallest son's hat but the smallest son cannot see anyone's hat. He then asks all three sons at once if any of them can tell him what colour cap they are wearing. After a little thought, the smallest son tells him correctly what colour he his wearing. What colour was it?
A man has three sons. He lines them up so that the eldest (and tallest) is at the back looking down on the middle son, who in turn, is looking down on the youngest (and smallest) son. He then tells them that he has three blue caps and two red caps and that he is going to choose three of the five hats and place one of each of their heads such that the tallest son can see the colour of both the other sons' hats, the middle son can see the colour of the smallest son's hat but the smallest son cannot see anyone's hat. He then asks all three sons at once if any of them can tell him what colour cap they are wearing. After a little thought, the smallest son tells him correctly what colour he his wearing. What colour was it?