Brain Teaser
SUMMER 2009
Question:
Use five 5s to get a target number 26.
((5 x 5 x 5) + 5) / 5 = 26 or
((5 / 5 / 5 + 5) x 5 = 26
SPRING 2009
Question:
A farmer is standing on one side of the river with a wolf, a goat and a box of cabbages. In the river, there is a small boat. The farmer wants to cross the river with the three items that are with him. There are no bridges and there is only room for the farmer and one item in the boat.
If he leaves the goat alone with the cabbages on one side of the river, the goat will eat the cabbages. If he leaves the wolf and the goat on one side, the wolf will eat the goat. Only the farmer can separate the wolf from the goat and the goat from the cabbage.
How can the farmer cross the river with all three items, without one eating the other?
Answer:
1. First, the farmer takes the goat across the river.
2. He goes back to pick up the wolf.
3. When he is across, he leaves the wolf and takes back the goat.
4. Back on the other side he leaves the goat and takes the cabbages with him.
5. Then he picks up the goat and all three items are on the other side.
