What If Puzzle No 18 Solution: A Step-by-Step Guide
Introduction
The "What If" puzzle series has been a staple of cognitive brain teasers for decades, challenging solvers to think creatively and outside the box. The 18th puzzle in the series, "What If," is particularly notorious for its deceptively simple appearance and mind-boggling complexity. In this article, we’ll dive into the solution of What If Puzzle No 18, breaking it down step-by-step and providing a clear explanation for each step.
The Puzzle Description
Before we dive into the solution, let’s take a look at the puzzle description:
"A snail is at the bottom of a 20-foot well. Each day, it climbs up 3 feet, but at night, it slips back 2 feet. How many days will it take for the snail to reach the top of the well?"
The Initial Analysis
At first glance, this puzzle seems straightforward. The snail is making progress up the well, albeit slowly, and it’s only a matter of time before it reaches the top. However, as we dig deeper, things become more complicated. The snail’s daily progress is offset by the slipping back at night, which means it’s actually moving downward 1 foot each day. This subtle twist is the key to solving the puzzle.
Step-by-Step Solution
Here’s a breakdown of the solution:
- Day 1: The snail climbs 3 feet, reaching a total height of 3 feet.
- Night 1: The snail slips back 2 feet, leaving it at a height of 1 foot.
- Day 2: The snail climbs 3 feet, reaching a total height of 4 feet.
- Night 2: The snail slips back 2 feet, leaving it at a height of 2 feet.
*…and so on.
Notice a pattern? The snail’s net progress is 1 foot per day, due to the 1-foot slipping back at night. Since the well is 20 feet deep, the snail needs to climb 20 feet to reach the top.
The Calculation
Let’s calculate the number of days it’ll take the snail to reach the top:
- Total height needed: 20 feet
- Net progress per day: 1 foot
- Number of days needed: 20 feet / 1 foot per day = 20 days
The Final Answer
It will take the snail 20 days to reach the top of the well.
Why It’s So Hard to Solve
The What If Puzzle No 18 is notoriously difficult because it relies on a subtle understanding of the snail’s daily progress. Many solvers are misled by the initial simplicity of the puzzle and fail to account for the snail’s slipping back at night. The key to solving this puzzle is recognizing the net progress of the snail, which is only 1 foot per day due to the slipping back.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions and their answers:
Q: Why doesn’t the snail just climb 4 feet per day?
A: If the snail climbed 4 feet per day, it would still slip back 2 feet at night, leaving it at a height of 2 feet. This wouldn’t change the net progress.
Q: Can the snail climb more than 3 feet per day?
A: No, the snail’s daily progress is limited to 3 feet due to its physical capabilities.
Q: What if the well is a different height?
A: The solution would remain the same, with the snail climbing 3 feet per day and slipping back 2 feet at night.
Q: Is this puzzle only for snails?
A: No, the puzzle applies to any object that climbs and slips back. You could replace the snail with a monkey or a robot, and the solution would remain the same.
Q: Can you give me a hint for a similar puzzle?
A: Yes, consider a puzzle where a character walks 5 feet forward and then takes 3 steps backward. How many steps does it take to cover a distance of 20 feet?
Q: Is there a solution without using arithmetic?
A: Yes, you can solve this puzzle by drawing a diagram or using visual aids to represent the snail’s progress. This can help you better understand the net progress and ultimately arrive at the solution.
Conclusion
What If Puzzle No 18 is a classic example of a brain teaser that requires creative thinking and attention to detail. By breaking down the solution into smaller steps and recognizing the snail’s net progress, you can overcome the initial complexity and arrive at the correct answer. Remember, pay attention to the subtle twists and turns, and don’t be afraid to take your time and think creatively. Happy puzzling!