Hello HR masters,
I am an engineer working in Kuwait and also engaged in training some fresh engineering students in HR management. I need some inputs on the topic of Lateral Thinking. Good stories, real-life incidents, or quotes may prove to be helpful for me.
Thank you,
KarunadasP @hotmail.com
From Oman, Muscat
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3I am an engineer working in Kuwait and also engaged in training some fresh engineering students in HR management. I need some inputs on the topic of Lateral Thinking. Good stories, real-life incidents, or quotes may prove to be helpful for me.
Thank you,
KarunadasP @hotmail.com
From Oman, Muscat
Acknowledge(0)Amend(0)
Hi Karuna Das,
You just touched on my subject as am passionate about lateral thinking creativity..
So you are trying to engineer the fresh minds...great ..must congratulate you for taking efforts..or atleast thinking about the same..
Believe me its a long drawn exercise as creativity & lateral thinking has not inherently recieved its due or importance from society or educational institutional institutions..you are engineer ..for which you have been educated about differentt aspects of engineering...what about your mind?..has anyone taught you about lateral thinking? or Creativity as a subject?..chances are low..its your mind that would determine your success in corporate world as it is linked directly to problem solving ability..
Oops coming back to your query..am attaching three articles viz
Best Practices : Innovation/Creativity
Engineering Breakthroughs
Interesting Mathematical Quiz.
Suggest that you conduct structured training programs on this topic on a long term basis to ensure it's success.
Happy Engineering!!
Cheerio
Rajat
Best Practices: Innovation/Creativity
Don't have time to read the entire "TEC Best Practices: Innovation/Creativity" feature? Here are the key points in a brief executive summary.
Why Creativity is Crucial
Many CEOs and executives consider a focus on creativity to be an exercise in frivolity.
Others recognize that creativity is important, but they see it as unessential.
The most productive leaders incorporate creativity and innovation into their companies with the same predictability as they do profit-and-loss statements.
The four TEC experts interviewed for this series -- Jordan Ayan, Bryan W. Mattimore, Carl Robinson and Steven L. Snyder -- all work with Fortune 500 clients. They say that TEC-size companies often give short shrift to the creative part of themselves, of their companies and of the people who work with them.
"Traditional linear thinking will solve 90 to 95 percent of your problems," says Mattimore. Innovation-enhancing techniques are for the toughest five to 10 percent.
Often, innovation is seen only as a way to add to the top line with new products and services. "TEC members should know that these techniques can also be used to make the business more efficient, to cut costs and to do things quicker, better, smarter," Mattimore says.
Robinson identifies three foundations for organizational innovation. They are:
Leadership
Training
Organizational Openness
To be the "chief innovation officer," you need to:
Set a good example for innovation.
Encourage the "best thinking possible" from your staff.
Make room for crazy ideas.
Solicit 360-degree feedback.
Innovation and The Bottom Line
Can you really afford not to place a premium on innovation in your organization?
TEC experts gave us several examples of how encouraging creativity and innovation has had a major bottom-line impact in companies.
The Catholic Knights of Columbus Insurance Company -- a $100 million business -- used "problem redefinition" to boost sales 52 percent.
A leather Western wear manufacturer virtually saved its life by brainstorming a new market for their products.
A comparison of a Japanese- and U.S.-based suggestion program showed that the Japanese respect and encouragement for suggestions resulted in savings of $3,000 per employee.
By simply questioning the assumptions in its problem question, a Big Three U.S. automaker was able to come up with better sales forecasts for its organization.
Engineering Breakthroughs
Mattimore has identified four foundations of breakthrough thinking.
Questions -- Reframing problems to make sure you are solving the right one.
Metaphors -- Taking two different ideas, finding associations between them, and coming up with solutions or ideas from the exercise.
Visuals -- Looking at pictures that spark unexpected connections for the problem you're weighing.
Wishing -- Giving yourself license to wish for the impossible can sometimes create viable possibilities.
"Do-It-Yourself" Creativity Generating
There are many ways to jump-start your organization's creativity generator.
Alternative Perceptions -- Snyder recommends these approaches to get a new perspective on the problem you're trying to solve. Among the techniques:
Imagine that your problem actually belongs to someone else -- not you.
Imagine that you have the opposite problem.
Think that it is five years from now, and the problem is solved.
Enlist other people, in your imagination, as helpers in solving the problem.
"Brainwriting" -- Get your entire group to contribute their ideas by passing around a sheet of paper and asking each participant to weigh in with another idea.
"Whiteboarding" -- Mattimore suggests writing your issue on a centrally located whiteboard, then counting down 10 or 15 days for contributions of ideas to the issue. The whiteboard becomes a central location for mini-brainstorming sessions, and is a symbol of your organization's interest in collaborative problem-solving.
Using Creativity Sessions to Cut Costs
Mattimore was asked to facilitate brainstorming sessions at a billion-dollar personal products company.
He conducted 25 all-day sessions with 12 people per session. Yield: $50 million in cost reductions and quality improvements.
Mind-Mapping for Cost-Cutting: Have employees diagram the details of their jobs, then ask a facilitator to help them compare notes and see where savings are hidden.
To get the most impact from cost-cutting sessions, Mattimore recommends that you:
Assign monetary values to the ideas.
Encourage people to share the nitty-gritty of their jobs.
See if you can generalize once you find a detail worth evaluating.
Ask people to "feel the pain" of their day-to-day work. Wherever they are frustrated about a task they do, there are opportunities to make changes.
Best Practices of Innovative Organizations
Innovative organizations have built into their structures several practices that serve to perpetuate innovation, says Robinson.
He identifies these practices as:
Celebrating successes
Inviting "20-20 hindsight"
Encouraging playfulness and "blue-sky" thinking
Training for the "competence of creativity"
Challenging traditional business activities
Sharing best practices
Increasing Personal Creativity
We all have the gift of creativity. Some of us take out and use this gift more frequently than others.
"When we're in our normal, high-task, divided attention state -- which is, by definition, high stress -- we can only see things the way we normally do. It's like the great line from the Talmud, ‘We don't see things as they are; we see things as we are'," says Snyder.
"The key is to access the part of the mind that dreams at night -- the ‘heart mind' -- versus ‘the brain mind' that you use when you're awake," says Snyder. To relax the mind, Snyder says you need to go into an alpha brain wave state, which is a state of heightened relaxation. In other words, you need to learn to daydream.
Ayan says that if we want to improve our personal creativity, we must increase our creative "C.O.R.E." The acronym stands for:
C -- Curiosity
O -- Openness to new ideas and ways of doing things
R -- Risk-taking ability
E -- Energy level for carrying through on new ideas
If you want to increase your creativity, you can do so by working on any one of the four pillars. Faster growth is available to people who are willing to work harder in the one or two areas where they feel the most deficient.
"I have seen remarkable progress in people who have chosen to concentrate on their creative C.O.R.E.," says Ayan. "I've also used these techniques personally, and I know they work."
Here is a Nice Mathametical Story enjoy. Can you mathematicians explain ?
Long ago, a clever mathematician used to cheat people. Once he
borrowed Rs.4000/- from a rich man. After a few days, he borrowed
Rs.2000/- from the same man. Many days passed, the mathematician did not
return the money to the rich man. The rich man went to the mathematician
and asked to return the money. But to his great surprise, the mathematician
replied that there is no need to pay the debt.
"See here, friend" said the mathematician " the sum of 4000 and 2000 is
equal to zero, so I do not have any balance to pay".
The rich man took the matter to the court. When the judge came to know
this, he was astonished. He asked the mathematician to prove that sum
of 4000 and 2000 is zero, and not 6000.
The Clever mathematician agreed. He said:
let a == 4000, b == 2000 and c == 6000
a + b == c
Multiply both sides by a + b
(a + b) (a + b) == c (a + b)
a*a + ab + ba + b*b == ca + cb
a*a + ab - ca == cb - b*b - ba
a( a + b -c) == -b(b + a - c)
so a == - b
a + b == 0
Hence by putting the values of "a" and "b" as 4000 and 2000
respectively, their sum is zero, so the mathematician saw no need to pay
any money to the rich man.
The above calculation has no doubt, surprised you as it did the Judge
Can you mathematicians explain ?
From India, Pune
Acknowledge(0)Amend(0)
You just touched on my subject as am passionate about lateral thinking creativity..
So you are trying to engineer the fresh minds...great ..must congratulate you for taking efforts..or atleast thinking about the same..
Believe me its a long drawn exercise as creativity & lateral thinking has not inherently recieved its due or importance from society or educational institutional institutions..you are engineer ..for which you have been educated about differentt aspects of engineering...what about your mind?..has anyone taught you about lateral thinking? or Creativity as a subject?..chances are low..its your mind that would determine your success in corporate world as it is linked directly to problem solving ability..
Oops coming back to your query..am attaching three articles viz
Best Practices : Innovation/Creativity
Engineering Breakthroughs
Interesting Mathematical Quiz.
Suggest that you conduct structured training programs on this topic on a long term basis to ensure it's success.
Happy Engineering!!
Cheerio
Rajat
Best Practices: Innovation/Creativity
Don't have time to read the entire "TEC Best Practices: Innovation/Creativity" feature? Here are the key points in a brief executive summary.
Why Creativity is Crucial
Many CEOs and executives consider a focus on creativity to be an exercise in frivolity.
Others recognize that creativity is important, but they see it as unessential.
The most productive leaders incorporate creativity and innovation into their companies with the same predictability as they do profit-and-loss statements.
The four TEC experts interviewed for this series -- Jordan Ayan, Bryan W. Mattimore, Carl Robinson and Steven L. Snyder -- all work with Fortune 500 clients. They say that TEC-size companies often give short shrift to the creative part of themselves, of their companies and of the people who work with them.
"Traditional linear thinking will solve 90 to 95 percent of your problems," says Mattimore. Innovation-enhancing techniques are for the toughest five to 10 percent.
Often, innovation is seen only as a way to add to the top line with new products and services. "TEC members should know that these techniques can also be used to make the business more efficient, to cut costs and to do things quicker, better, smarter," Mattimore says.
Robinson identifies three foundations for organizational innovation. They are:
Leadership
Training
Organizational Openness
To be the "chief innovation officer," you need to:
Set a good example for innovation.
Encourage the "best thinking possible" from your staff.
Make room for crazy ideas.
Solicit 360-degree feedback.
Innovation and The Bottom Line
Can you really afford not to place a premium on innovation in your organization?
TEC experts gave us several examples of how encouraging creativity and innovation has had a major bottom-line impact in companies.
The Catholic Knights of Columbus Insurance Company -- a $100 million business -- used "problem redefinition" to boost sales 52 percent.
A leather Western wear manufacturer virtually saved its life by brainstorming a new market for their products.
A comparison of a Japanese- and U.S.-based suggestion program showed that the Japanese respect and encouragement for suggestions resulted in savings of $3,000 per employee.
By simply questioning the assumptions in its problem question, a Big Three U.S. automaker was able to come up with better sales forecasts for its organization.
Engineering Breakthroughs
Mattimore has identified four foundations of breakthrough thinking.
Questions -- Reframing problems to make sure you are solving the right one.
Metaphors -- Taking two different ideas, finding associations between them, and coming up with solutions or ideas from the exercise.
Visuals -- Looking at pictures that spark unexpected connections for the problem you're weighing.
Wishing -- Giving yourself license to wish for the impossible can sometimes create viable possibilities.
"Do-It-Yourself" Creativity Generating
There are many ways to jump-start your organization's creativity generator.
Alternative Perceptions -- Snyder recommends these approaches to get a new perspective on the problem you're trying to solve. Among the techniques:
Imagine that your problem actually belongs to someone else -- not you.
Imagine that you have the opposite problem.
Think that it is five years from now, and the problem is solved.
Enlist other people, in your imagination, as helpers in solving the problem.
"Brainwriting" -- Get your entire group to contribute their ideas by passing around a sheet of paper and asking each participant to weigh in with another idea.
"Whiteboarding" -- Mattimore suggests writing your issue on a centrally located whiteboard, then counting down 10 or 15 days for contributions of ideas to the issue. The whiteboard becomes a central location for mini-brainstorming sessions, and is a symbol of your organization's interest in collaborative problem-solving.
Using Creativity Sessions to Cut Costs
Mattimore was asked to facilitate brainstorming sessions at a billion-dollar personal products company.
He conducted 25 all-day sessions with 12 people per session. Yield: $50 million in cost reductions and quality improvements.
Mind-Mapping for Cost-Cutting: Have employees diagram the details of their jobs, then ask a facilitator to help them compare notes and see where savings are hidden.
To get the most impact from cost-cutting sessions, Mattimore recommends that you:
Assign monetary values to the ideas.
Encourage people to share the nitty-gritty of their jobs.
See if you can generalize once you find a detail worth evaluating.
Ask people to "feel the pain" of their day-to-day work. Wherever they are frustrated about a task they do, there are opportunities to make changes.
Best Practices of Innovative Organizations
Innovative organizations have built into their structures several practices that serve to perpetuate innovation, says Robinson.
He identifies these practices as:
Celebrating successes
Inviting "20-20 hindsight"
Encouraging playfulness and "blue-sky" thinking
Training for the "competence of creativity"
Challenging traditional business activities
Sharing best practices
Increasing Personal Creativity
We all have the gift of creativity. Some of us take out and use this gift more frequently than others.
"When we're in our normal, high-task, divided attention state -- which is, by definition, high stress -- we can only see things the way we normally do. It's like the great line from the Talmud, ‘We don't see things as they are; we see things as we are'," says Snyder.
"The key is to access the part of the mind that dreams at night -- the ‘heart mind' -- versus ‘the brain mind' that you use when you're awake," says Snyder. To relax the mind, Snyder says you need to go into an alpha brain wave state, which is a state of heightened relaxation. In other words, you need to learn to daydream.
Ayan says that if we want to improve our personal creativity, we must increase our creative "C.O.R.E." The acronym stands for:
C -- Curiosity
O -- Openness to new ideas and ways of doing things
R -- Risk-taking ability
E -- Energy level for carrying through on new ideas
If you want to increase your creativity, you can do so by working on any one of the four pillars. Faster growth is available to people who are willing to work harder in the one or two areas where they feel the most deficient.
"I have seen remarkable progress in people who have chosen to concentrate on their creative C.O.R.E.," says Ayan. "I've also used these techniques personally, and I know they work."
Here is a Nice Mathametical Story enjoy. Can you mathematicians explain ?
Long ago, a clever mathematician used to cheat people. Once he
borrowed Rs.4000/- from a rich man. After a few days, he borrowed
Rs.2000/- from the same man. Many days passed, the mathematician did not
return the money to the rich man. The rich man went to the mathematician
and asked to return the money. But to his great surprise, the mathematician
replied that there is no need to pay the debt.
"See here, friend" said the mathematician " the sum of 4000 and 2000 is
equal to zero, so I do not have any balance to pay".
The rich man took the matter to the court. When the judge came to know
this, he was astonished. He asked the mathematician to prove that sum
of 4000 and 2000 is zero, and not 6000.
The Clever mathematician agreed. He said:
let a == 4000, b == 2000 and c == 6000
a + b == c
Multiply both sides by a + b
(a + b) (a + b) == c (a + b)
a*a + ab + ba + b*b == ca + cb
a*a + ab - ca == cb - b*b - ba
a( a + b -c) == -b(b + a - c)
so a == - b
a + b == 0
Hence by putting the values of "a" and "b" as 4000 and 2000
respectively, their sum is zero, so the mathematician saw no need to pay
any money to the rich man.
The above calculation has no doubt, surprised you as it did the Judge
Can you mathematicians explain ?
From India, Pune
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Hi Karunadasp Thankx for the question :D and many thanks to Mr.Rajat :D :D :D its a beautiful explanation.... hope to see more of new n interesting topics .. :) :) :) Regards
From India, Madras
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From India, Madras
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Thanks Atomleaf!! am gald you liked it.. Also due thanks to Karuna for engineering my Brain on this matter...surely would share more articles & ideas on this topic.. Cheerio Rajat Joshi
From India, Pune
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From India, Pune
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Hello Rajat,
Thank you very much for the speedy response. The inputs are really a spanner in my efforts. It is also pertinent to mention that these subjects were welcomed by the Kuwaiti students in a highly positive way, which means the Gulf is also changing rapidly.
I am also taking their engineering studies, but many times my class was interrupted by serious doubts about management class subjects.
Thank you once again. I am also looking forward to hearing more inputs on these subjects.
Regards,
Karunadasp
From Oman, Muscat
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Thank you very much for the speedy response. The inputs are really a spanner in my efforts. It is also pertinent to mention that these subjects were welcomed by the Kuwaiti students in a highly positive way, which means the Gulf is also changing rapidly.
I am also taking their engineering studies, but many times my class was interrupted by serious doubts about management class subjects.
Thank you once again. I am also looking forward to hearing more inputs on these subjects.
Regards,
Karunadasp
From Oman, Muscat
Acknowledge(0)Amend(0)
Hi Mr. Rajat,
Thanks for the article. Could you please advise me where I should look for "TEC Best Practices: Innovation/Creativity"? The riddle is great. Hope somebody comes up with an explanation!
Thanks once again,
Bala
From India, Madras
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Thanks for the article. Could you please advise me where I should look for "TEC Best Practices: Innovation/Creativity"? The riddle is great. Hope somebody comes up with an explanation!
Thanks once again,
Bala
From India, Madras
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Hi Karuna Das, Attached a small contribution towards lateral thinking? bala
From India, Madras
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From India, Madras
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hello psyched thnak u very much for the response but regret to inform you that attachment doesn’t appear kindly look into it thank you karunadas
From Oman, Muscat
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From Oman, Muscat
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Hi Bala,
"Thanks for the article. Could you please advise me where I should look for 'TEC Best Practices: Innovation/Creativity'?"
Please refer to the link: http://www.teconline.com/www/bestpractices/innovation_creativity.asp
"The riddle is great. Hope somebody comes up with an explanation!"
You bet... it's a really good riddle. Hey, is there anyone here who has an answer?
Cheerio,
Rajat
From India, Pune
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"Thanks for the article. Could you please advise me where I should look for 'TEC Best Practices: Innovation/Creativity'?"
Please refer to the link: http://www.teconline.com/www/bestpractices/innovation_creativity.asp
"The riddle is great. Hope somebody comes up with an explanation!"
You bet... it's a really good riddle. Hey, is there anyone here who has an answer?
Cheerio,
Rajat
From India, Pune
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Well, this goes back to clarify the mathematician's calculation which proved 4000 + 2000 = 0. The error in the whole computation lies in the second last step where (a + b - c) is removed from either side of the equation.
(a + b - c) is actually equal to 4000 + 2000 - 6000 = 0... Zero!! Removing the expression from both sides is equivalent to dividing both sides by ZERO!! This is an "illegal" mathematical operation rendering the whole computation erroneous.
ShoOOonya.
From Switzerland, Geneva
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(a + b - c) is actually equal to 4000 + 2000 - 6000 = 0... Zero!! Removing the expression from both sides is equivalent to dividing both sides by ZERO!! This is an "illegal" mathematical operation rendering the whole computation erroneous.
ShoOOonya.
From Switzerland, Geneva
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Hi Shoonyaa,
Thanks for the answer - bang on right!! I was expecting this answer from you, obviously, you being a Vedic Maths Prof.
Well done.
Hi Sunayna,
Well..well..the puzzles are tempting. May I have the liberty to solve some of them?
I would like to add my two cents thoughts -
Lateral thinking - plainly speaking, is akin to a Parachute - it works when it opens up!! Lateral thinking has more to do with how one manages the brain and the approach to life problems.
These puzzles initially seem impossible at first glance. Many of us give up thinking about the options, but there are others who look at these puzzles/quizzes in a different way/approach than the conventional ones.
The Puzzles
1. The man in the Elevator
A man lives on the tenth floor of a building. Every day he takes the elevator to go down to the ground floor to go to work or to go shopping. When he returns, he takes the elevator to the seventh floor and walks up the stairs to reach his apartment on the tenth floor. He hates walking so why does he do it?
This is probably the best known and most celebrated of all lateral thinking puzzles. It is a true classic. Although there are many possible solutions that fit the initial conditions, only the canonical answer is truly satisfying.
Any idea...I give you a hint..just look at the problem from the reverse method..
2. The Man in the Bar
A man walks into a bar and asks the barman for a glass of water. The barman pulls out a *** and points it at the man. The man says 'Thank you' and walks out.
This puzzle claims to be the best of the genre. It is simple in its statement, absolutely baffling and yet with a completely satisfying solution. Most people struggle very hard to solve this one, yet they like the answer when they hear it or have the satisfaction of figuring it out.
True..at first, it seems funny but true.. hint *** relates to fear/scare..
3. The Man who Hanged Himself
Not far from Madrid, there is a large wooden barn. The barn is completely empty except for a dead man hanging from the middle of the central rafter. The rope around his neck is ten feet long and his feet are three feet off the ground. The nearest wall is 20 feet away from the man. It is not possible to climb up the walls or along the rafters. The man hanged himself. How did he do it?
This is a classic example that was solved by the indomitable Sherlock Holmes..the hint is water on the floor..
4. Death in a Field
A man is lying dead in a field. Next to him, there is an unopened package. There is no other creature in the field. How did he die?
Hmm...an excellent clue..is what is an unopened package? unopened is the clear hint..
5. Anthony and Cleopatra
Anthony and Cleopatra are lying dead on the floor of a villa in Egypt. Nearby is a broken bowl. There is no mark on either of their bodies and they were not poisoned. How did they die?
Anthony and Cleopatra are just the red herrings..think hard..beyond the clues provided..
6. The Coal, Carrot, and Scarf
Five pieces of coal, a carrot, and a scarf are lying on the lawn. Nobody put them on the lawn, but there is a perfectly logical reason why they should be there. What is it?
Link carrot, scarf, coal with Christmas in the US..a good hint..
7. Trouble with Sons
A woman had two sons who were born on the same hour of the same day of the same year. But they were not twins, and they were not adopted. How could this be so?
Just think beyond what we usually associate with..
8. Push that Car
A man pushed his car. He stopped when he reached a hotel at which point he knew he was bankrupt. Why?
Just go back to your happy and playful childhood days..
9. The Arm of the Postal Service
One day a man received a parcel in the post. Carefully packed inside was a human arm. He examined it, repacked it, and then sent it on to another man. The second man also carefully examined the arm before taking it to the woods and burying it. Why did they do this?
Well..the answer is an unusual one..many of you may find it difficult to solve this one..let me give the answer..
The three men had been stranded on a desert island. Desperate for food, they had agreed to amputate their left arms to eat them. They swore an oath that each would have his left arm cut off. One of them was a doctor and he cut the arms off his two companions. They were then rescued. But his oath was still binding so he later had to have his arm amputated and sent to his colleagues.
This is often told with a further twist whereby a doctor pays a tramp a large sum to amputate the tramp's arm which the doctor then sends to another man who inspects it.
This one probably has more variations than any other. A great one to puzzle out. It requires plenty of good questions.
10. Heaven
A man died and went to Heaven. There were thousands of other people there. They were all naked and all looked as they did at the age of 21. He looked around to see if there was anyone he recognized. He saw a couple and he knew immediately that they were Adam and Eve. How did he know?
It's an easy one but obvious.
11. Friday
A man rode into town on Friday. He stayed for three nights and then left on Friday. How come? A silly one - but it is surprisingly popular.
Sure it's a silly one..but a good example of we take the obvious to be the answer..but it is not so..
12. Manhole Covers
Why is it better to have round manhole covers than square ones?
This is logical rather than lateral, but it is a good puzzle that can be solved by lateral thinking techniques. It is supposedly used by a very well-known software company as an interview question for prospective employees.
Should be an easy one.
13. The Deadly Party
A man went to a party and drank some of the punch. He then left early. Everyone else at the party who drank the punch subsequently died of poisoning. Why did the man not die?
Hint..what all ingredients/items that go into punch..takes time to gel with the punch..
14. The Deadly Dish
Two men went into a restaurant. They both ordered the same dish from the menu. After they tasted it, one of the men went outside the restaurant and shot himself. Why?
This has something in common with No. 9 above but is in my opinion even better. It is fiendishly difficult to figure out from a standing start.
15. The Realization
A man was walking downstairs in a building when he suddenly realized that his wife had just died. How?
Can't be just intuition..right..so ..
16. The Blind Beggar
A blind beggar had a brother who died. What relation was the blind beggar to the brother who died? (Brother is not the answer)
By now..above hints may have prepared you for the answer..
Well .. enough hints.. happy thinking..
17. The Broken Match
A man is found dead in a field. He is clutching a broken match. What happened?
18. The Music Stopped
The music stopped. She died. Explain.
19. Swimmer in the Forest
Deep in the forest was found the body of a man who was wearing only swimming trunks, snorkel, and facemask. The nearest lake was 8 miles away and the sea was 100 miles away. How had he died?
This is supposedly based on a true incident. Does this make it an urban legend? Many urban legends can be restated as lateral thinking puzzles. This is a very good one of this type.
20. The Elder Twin
One day Kerry celebrated her birthday. Two days later her older twin brother, Terry, celebrated his birthday. How come?
Good luck.
Rajat
From India, Pune
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Thanks for the answer - bang on right!! I was expecting this answer from you, obviously, you being a Vedic Maths Prof.
Well done.
Hi Sunayna,
Well..well..the puzzles are tempting. May I have the liberty to solve some of them?
I would like to add my two cents thoughts -
Lateral thinking - plainly speaking, is akin to a Parachute - it works when it opens up!! Lateral thinking has more to do with how one manages the brain and the approach to life problems.
These puzzles initially seem impossible at first glance. Many of us give up thinking about the options, but there are others who look at these puzzles/quizzes in a different way/approach than the conventional ones.
The Puzzles
1. The man in the Elevator
A man lives on the tenth floor of a building. Every day he takes the elevator to go down to the ground floor to go to work or to go shopping. When he returns, he takes the elevator to the seventh floor and walks up the stairs to reach his apartment on the tenth floor. He hates walking so why does he do it?
This is probably the best known and most celebrated of all lateral thinking puzzles. It is a true classic. Although there are many possible solutions that fit the initial conditions, only the canonical answer is truly satisfying.
Any idea...I give you a hint..just look at the problem from the reverse method..
2. The Man in the Bar
A man walks into a bar and asks the barman for a glass of water. The barman pulls out a *** and points it at the man. The man says 'Thank you' and walks out.
This puzzle claims to be the best of the genre. It is simple in its statement, absolutely baffling and yet with a completely satisfying solution. Most people struggle very hard to solve this one, yet they like the answer when they hear it or have the satisfaction of figuring it out.
True..at first, it seems funny but true.. hint *** relates to fear/scare..
3. The Man who Hanged Himself
Not far from Madrid, there is a large wooden barn. The barn is completely empty except for a dead man hanging from the middle of the central rafter. The rope around his neck is ten feet long and his feet are three feet off the ground. The nearest wall is 20 feet away from the man. It is not possible to climb up the walls or along the rafters. The man hanged himself. How did he do it?
This is a classic example that was solved by the indomitable Sherlock Holmes..the hint is water on the floor..
4. Death in a Field
A man is lying dead in a field. Next to him, there is an unopened package. There is no other creature in the field. How did he die?
Hmm...an excellent clue..is what is an unopened package? unopened is the clear hint..
5. Anthony and Cleopatra
Anthony and Cleopatra are lying dead on the floor of a villa in Egypt. Nearby is a broken bowl. There is no mark on either of their bodies and they were not poisoned. How did they die?
Anthony and Cleopatra are just the red herrings..think hard..beyond the clues provided..
6. The Coal, Carrot, and Scarf
Five pieces of coal, a carrot, and a scarf are lying on the lawn. Nobody put them on the lawn, but there is a perfectly logical reason why they should be there. What is it?
Link carrot, scarf, coal with Christmas in the US..a good hint..
7. Trouble with Sons
A woman had two sons who were born on the same hour of the same day of the same year. But they were not twins, and they were not adopted. How could this be so?
Just think beyond what we usually associate with..
8. Push that Car
A man pushed his car. He stopped when he reached a hotel at which point he knew he was bankrupt. Why?
Just go back to your happy and playful childhood days..
9. The Arm of the Postal Service
One day a man received a parcel in the post. Carefully packed inside was a human arm. He examined it, repacked it, and then sent it on to another man. The second man also carefully examined the arm before taking it to the woods and burying it. Why did they do this?
Well..the answer is an unusual one..many of you may find it difficult to solve this one..let me give the answer..
The three men had been stranded on a desert island. Desperate for food, they had agreed to amputate their left arms to eat them. They swore an oath that each would have his left arm cut off. One of them was a doctor and he cut the arms off his two companions. They were then rescued. But his oath was still binding so he later had to have his arm amputated and sent to his colleagues.
This is often told with a further twist whereby a doctor pays a tramp a large sum to amputate the tramp's arm which the doctor then sends to another man who inspects it.
This one probably has more variations than any other. A great one to puzzle out. It requires plenty of good questions.
10. Heaven
A man died and went to Heaven. There were thousands of other people there. They were all naked and all looked as they did at the age of 21. He looked around to see if there was anyone he recognized. He saw a couple and he knew immediately that they were Adam and Eve. How did he know?
It's an easy one but obvious.
11. Friday
A man rode into town on Friday. He stayed for three nights and then left on Friday. How come? A silly one - but it is surprisingly popular.
Sure it's a silly one..but a good example of we take the obvious to be the answer..but it is not so..
12. Manhole Covers
Why is it better to have round manhole covers than square ones?
This is logical rather than lateral, but it is a good puzzle that can be solved by lateral thinking techniques. It is supposedly used by a very well-known software company as an interview question for prospective employees.
Should be an easy one.
13. The Deadly Party
A man went to a party and drank some of the punch. He then left early. Everyone else at the party who drank the punch subsequently died of poisoning. Why did the man not die?
Hint..what all ingredients/items that go into punch..takes time to gel with the punch..
14. The Deadly Dish
Two men went into a restaurant. They both ordered the same dish from the menu. After they tasted it, one of the men went outside the restaurant and shot himself. Why?
This has something in common with No. 9 above but is in my opinion even better. It is fiendishly difficult to figure out from a standing start.
15. The Realization
A man was walking downstairs in a building when he suddenly realized that his wife had just died. How?
Can't be just intuition..right..so ..
16. The Blind Beggar
A blind beggar had a brother who died. What relation was the blind beggar to the brother who died? (Brother is not the answer)
By now..above hints may have prepared you for the answer..
Well .. enough hints.. happy thinking..
17. The Broken Match
A man is found dead in a field. He is clutching a broken match. What happened?
18. The Music Stopped
The music stopped. She died. Explain.
19. Swimmer in the Forest
Deep in the forest was found the body of a man who was wearing only swimming trunks, snorkel, and facemask. The nearest lake was 8 miles away and the sea was 100 miles away. How had he died?
This is supposedly based on a true incident. Does this make it an urban legend? Many urban legends can be restated as lateral thinking puzzles. This is a very good one of this type.
20. The Elder Twin
One day Kerry celebrated her birthday. Two days later her older twin brother, Terry, celebrated his birthday. How come?
Good luck.
Rajat
From India, Pune
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Here's a 'Differentiating' problem for the mathematicians out there...
This problem uses basic calculus of differentiation. The only variable in use is 'a'. If a number is written to the right of a variable then the variable is to be raised to that power. So 'a2' is to be read as 'a squared'.
Now
a2 = a x a
or a2 = a (1+1+1+.... a times) [Just like say 6 = 1+1+... 6 times]
or a2 = a+a+a+... a times [Expanding bracket]
Differentiating both sides...
2a = 1+1+1+...a times
or 2a = a [1+1+1+... 'a' times is 'a']
Now assuming 'a' not equal to 0,
2 = 1 ???????
Care to figure out? 😉 Regards, Mathew
From India, New Delhi
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This problem uses basic calculus of differentiation. The only variable in use is 'a'. If a number is written to the right of a variable then the variable is to be raised to that power. So 'a2' is to be read as 'a squared'.
Now
a2 = a x a
or a2 = a (1+1+1+.... a times) [Just like say 6 = 1+1+... 6 times]
or a2 = a+a+a+... a times [Expanding bracket]
Differentiating both sides...
2a = 1+1+1+...a times
or 2a = a [1+1+1+... 'a' times is 'a']
Now assuming 'a' not equal to 0,
2 = 1 ???????
Care to figure out? 😉 Regards, Mathew
From India, New Delhi
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Hi Rajat / Sunayna,
Nice to have these puzzles here... It has been a long time since we encountered such highly creative material to shake and stir our gray (or is it grey) matter!!
Let me add some more hints to these... I hope visitors to this post will get further hints and post some solutions before Sunanyna posts the final rundown ;-)) Frankly speaking, quite a few of them leave me stumped... ;-))
The Puzzles
1. The man in the Elevator
A man lives on the tenth floor of a building. Every day he takes the elevator to go down to the ground floor to go to work or to go shopping. When he returns, he takes the elevator to the seventh floor and walks up the stairs to reach his apartment on the tenth floor. He hates walking, so why does he do it?
This is probably the best-known and most celebrated of all lateral thinking puzzles. It is a true classic. Although there are many possible solutions that fit the initial conditions, only the canonical answer is truly satisfying.
Any idea... I give you a hint... Just look at the problem from the reverse method...
Think!! - of all the various reasons you would need to walk when a lift is available!! To help you, I would add that whenever he has company in the lift or during the rainy season, the man uses his lift up to the tenth floor while going up!!
2. The Man in the Bar
A man walks into a bar and asks the barman for a glass of water. The barman pulls out a *** and points it at the man. The man says 'Thank you' and walks out.
This puzzle has claims to be the best of the genre. It is simple in its statement, absolutely baffling, and yet with a completely satisfying solution. Most people struggle very hard to solve this one, yet they like the answer when they hear it or have the satisfaction of figuring it out.
True... First seems funny but true... hint *** relates to fear/scare...
Further Hint - What could Fear STOP!! And you would be thankful for it!!
3. The Man who Hanged Himself
Not far from Madrid, there is a large wooden barn. The barn is completely empty except for a dead man hanging from the middle of the central rafter. The rope around his neck is ten feet long, and his feet are three feet off the ground. The nearest wall is 20 feet away from the man. It is not possible to climb up the walls or along the rafters. The man hanged himself. How did he do it?
This is a classic example that was solved by indubitable Sherlock Holmes... The hint is water on the floor...
Further Hint - The Water must have helped him reach those heights?? HOW??
4. Death in a Field
A man is lying dead in a field. Next to him, there is an unopened package. There is no other creature in the field. How did he die?
Hmm... an excellent clue... What is an unopened package? Unopened is the clear hint...
Unopened Mystery!! Open it Friends!!
5. Anthony and Cleopatra
Anthony and Cleopatra are lying dead on the floor of a villa in Egypt. Nearby is a broken bowl. There is no mark on either of their bodies, and they were not poisoned. How did they die?
Anthony & Cleopatra are just the red herrings... Think hard... Beyond the clues provided...
Hmmmm... Dead - Egypt - Bodies!! Interesting... Do you hear a bell ringing!!
6. The Coal, Carrot, and Scarf
Five pieces of coal, a carrot, and a scarf are lying on the lawn. Nobody put them on the lawn, but there is a perfectly logical reason why they should be there. What is it?
Link carrot, scarf, coal with Christmas in the US... a good hint...
Frankly, I am stumped!! You try!!
7. Trouble with Sons
A woman had two sons who were born on the same hour of the same day of the same year. But they were not twins, and they were not adopted. How could this be so?
Just think beyond what we usually associate with...
Lets Agree - They are NOT Twins... but they can surely be ___ or ___ ;-))
8. Push that Car
A man pushed his car. He stopped when he reached a hotel at which point he knew he was bankrupt. Why?
Just go back to your happy & playful childhood days...
A pretty Pushy Problem!!
9. The Arm of the Postal Service
One day a man received a parcel in the post. Carefully packed inside was a human arm. He examined it, repacked it, and then sent it on to another man. The second man also carefully examined the arm before taking it to the woods and burying it. Why did they do this?
Well... the answer is an unusual one... Many of you may find it difficult to solve this one... Let me give the answer...
The three men had been stranded on a desert island. Desperate for food, they had agreed to amputate their left arms to eat them. They swore an oath that each would have his left arm cut off. One of them was a doctor, and he cut the arms off his two companions. They were then rescued. But his oath was still binding, so he later had to have his arm amputated and sent it to his colleagues.
This is often told with a further twist whereby a doctor pays a tramp a large sum to amputate the tramp's arm, which the doctor then sends to another man who inspects it...
To be continued...
From Switzerland, Geneva
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Nice to have these puzzles here... It has been a long time since we encountered such highly creative material to shake and stir our gray (or is it grey) matter!!
Let me add some more hints to these... I hope visitors to this post will get further hints and post some solutions before Sunanyna posts the final rundown ;-)) Frankly speaking, quite a few of them leave me stumped... ;-))
The Puzzles
1. The man in the Elevator
A man lives on the tenth floor of a building. Every day he takes the elevator to go down to the ground floor to go to work or to go shopping. When he returns, he takes the elevator to the seventh floor and walks up the stairs to reach his apartment on the tenth floor. He hates walking, so why does he do it?
This is probably the best-known and most celebrated of all lateral thinking puzzles. It is a true classic. Although there are many possible solutions that fit the initial conditions, only the canonical answer is truly satisfying.
Any idea... I give you a hint... Just look at the problem from the reverse method...
Think!! - of all the various reasons you would need to walk when a lift is available!! To help you, I would add that whenever he has company in the lift or during the rainy season, the man uses his lift up to the tenth floor while going up!!
2. The Man in the Bar
A man walks into a bar and asks the barman for a glass of water. The barman pulls out a *** and points it at the man. The man says 'Thank you' and walks out.
This puzzle has claims to be the best of the genre. It is simple in its statement, absolutely baffling, and yet with a completely satisfying solution. Most people struggle very hard to solve this one, yet they like the answer when they hear it or have the satisfaction of figuring it out.
True... First seems funny but true... hint *** relates to fear/scare...
Further Hint - What could Fear STOP!! And you would be thankful for it!!
3. The Man who Hanged Himself
Not far from Madrid, there is a large wooden barn. The barn is completely empty except for a dead man hanging from the middle of the central rafter. The rope around his neck is ten feet long, and his feet are three feet off the ground. The nearest wall is 20 feet away from the man. It is not possible to climb up the walls or along the rafters. The man hanged himself. How did he do it?
This is a classic example that was solved by indubitable Sherlock Holmes... The hint is water on the floor...
Further Hint - The Water must have helped him reach those heights?? HOW??
4. Death in a Field
A man is lying dead in a field. Next to him, there is an unopened package. There is no other creature in the field. How did he die?
Hmm... an excellent clue... What is an unopened package? Unopened is the clear hint...
Unopened Mystery!! Open it Friends!!
5. Anthony and Cleopatra
Anthony and Cleopatra are lying dead on the floor of a villa in Egypt. Nearby is a broken bowl. There is no mark on either of their bodies, and they were not poisoned. How did they die?
Anthony & Cleopatra are just the red herrings... Think hard... Beyond the clues provided...
Hmmmm... Dead - Egypt - Bodies!! Interesting... Do you hear a bell ringing!!
6. The Coal, Carrot, and Scarf
Five pieces of coal, a carrot, and a scarf are lying on the lawn. Nobody put them on the lawn, but there is a perfectly logical reason why they should be there. What is it?
Link carrot, scarf, coal with Christmas in the US... a good hint...
Frankly, I am stumped!! You try!!
7. Trouble with Sons
A woman had two sons who were born on the same hour of the same day of the same year. But they were not twins, and they were not adopted. How could this be so?
Just think beyond what we usually associate with...
Lets Agree - They are NOT Twins... but they can surely be ___ or ___ ;-))
8. Push that Car
A man pushed his car. He stopped when he reached a hotel at which point he knew he was bankrupt. Why?
Just go back to your happy & playful childhood days...
A pretty Pushy Problem!!
9. The Arm of the Postal Service
One day a man received a parcel in the post. Carefully packed inside was a human arm. He examined it, repacked it, and then sent it on to another man. The second man also carefully examined the arm before taking it to the woods and burying it. Why did they do this?
Well... the answer is an unusual one... Many of you may find it difficult to solve this one... Let me give the answer...
The three men had been stranded on a desert island. Desperate for food, they had agreed to amputate their left arms to eat them. They swore an oath that each would have his left arm cut off. One of them was a doctor, and he cut the arms off his two companions. They were then rescued. But his oath was still binding, so he later had to have his arm amputated and sent it to his colleagues.
This is often told with a further twist whereby a doctor pays a tramp a large sum to amputate the tramp's arm, which the doctor then sends to another man who inspects it...
To be continued...
From Switzerland, Geneva
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GREY/ GRAY - doesn't matter... it's there somewhere in our brain... which better work :)
Yeah, I'm glad you liked it.
lol... no...
he is a dwarf... and his hands don't reach till no. 10
smart, huh?
hey Mr. Rajat... how will the reverse method work?
ANS FROM THE SITE - The man had hiccups. The barman recognized this from his speech and drew the gun in order to give him a shock. It worked and cured the hiccups - so the man no longer needed the water.
This is a simple puzzle to state but a difficult one to solve. It is a perfect example of a seemingly irrational and incongruous situation having a simple and complete explanation. Amazingly, this classic puzzle seems to work in different cultures and languages.
hmmm ICE then
lol... yeah, he should have opened it :)
The man had jumped from a plane but his parachute had failed to open. It is the unopened package
hmm... red herrings
Anthony and Cleopatra were goldfish whose bowl was knocked over by a clumsy dog
snowman
triplets
he was playing Monopoly
Mr. Rajat... you seem to know all of the answers... too cool
this answer is right... good one shoonya
clap clap clap :)
He recognized Adam and Eve as the only people without navels. Because they were not born of women, they had never had umbilical cords and therefore they never had navels.
hihihi... shoonya, that is what I thought too... or I thought maybe the town was 3 days away or something so jetlag
but... Friday was the name of his horse
hey shoonya... your sense of humor is cool
A square manhole cover can be turned and dropped down the diagonal of the manhole. A round manhole cannot be dropped down the manhole. So for safety and practicality, all manhole covers should be round.
yeah... shoonya is happy now :)
The poison in the punch came from the ice cubes
From India, Mumbai
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Yeah, I'm glad you liked it.
lol... no...
he is a dwarf... and his hands don't reach till no. 10
smart, huh?
hey Mr. Rajat... how will the reverse method work?
ANS FROM THE SITE - The man had hiccups. The barman recognized this from his speech and drew the gun in order to give him a shock. It worked and cured the hiccups - so the man no longer needed the water.
This is a simple puzzle to state but a difficult one to solve. It is a perfect example of a seemingly irrational and incongruous situation having a simple and complete explanation. Amazingly, this classic puzzle seems to work in different cultures and languages.
hmmm ICE then
lol... yeah, he should have opened it :)
The man had jumped from a plane but his parachute had failed to open. It is the unopened package
hmm... red herrings
Anthony and Cleopatra were goldfish whose bowl was knocked over by a clumsy dog
snowman
triplets
he was playing Monopoly
Mr. Rajat... you seem to know all of the answers... too cool
this answer is right... good one shoonya
clap clap clap :)
He recognized Adam and Eve as the only people without navels. Because they were not born of women, they had never had umbilical cords and therefore they never had navels.
hihihi... shoonya, that is what I thought too... or I thought maybe the town was 3 days away or something so jetlag
but... Friday was the name of his horse
hey shoonya... your sense of humor is cool
A square manhole cover can be turned and dropped down the diagonal of the manhole. A round manhole cannot be dropped down the manhole. So for safety and practicality, all manhole covers should be round.
yeah... shoonya is happy now :)
The poison in the punch came from the ice cubes
From India, Mumbai
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Hi Folks,
DIFFICULT QUESTIONS AND INTELLIGENT ANSWERS!
A little boy wanted Rs.50 very badly and prayed for weeks, but nothing happened. Finally, he decided to write God a letter requesting the Rs.50.
When the postal authorities received the letter addressed to God, INDIA, they decided to forward it to the President of India as a joke.
The President was so amused that he instructed his secretary to send the little boy Rs.20. The President thought this would appear to be a lot of money (Rs.50) to a little boy, and he did not want to spoil the kid.
The little boy was delighted with Rs.20 and decided to write a thank-you note to God, which read: "Dear God: Thank you very much for sending the money. However, I noticed that you sent it through the Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi, and those donkeys deducted Rs.30 in taxes."
Not only does our technical knowledge help, but also the presence of mind and the right answer at the right time.
Even if you don't know the answer to a question, just confuse the questioner.
Question and the answer given by candidates - oh sorry, they are IAS Officers now.
Q: How can you drop a raw egg onto a concrete floor without cracking it?
A: Concrete floors are very hard to crack! (UPSC Topper)
Q: If it took eight men ten hours to build a wall, how long would it take four men to build it?
A: No time at all, it is already built. (UPSC 23 Rank, Opted for IFS)
Q: If you had three apples and four oranges in one hand and four apples and three oranges in the other hand, what would you have?
A: Very large hands. (Good one) (UPSC 11 Rank, Opted for IPS)
Q: How can you lift an elephant with one hand?
A: It is not a problem since you will never find an elephant with one hand. (UPSC Rank 14, Opted for IES)
Q: How can a man go eight days without sleep?
A: No problem, he sleeps at night. (UPSC IAS Rank 98)
Q: If you throw a red stone into the blue sea, what will it become?
A: It will get wet or sink, as simple as that. (UPSC IAS Rank 2)
Q: What looks like half an apple?
A: The other half. (UPSC - IAS Topper)
Q: What can you never eat for breakfast?
A: Dinner.
Q: What happened when the wheel was invented?
A: It caused a revolution.
Q: Bay of Bengal is in which state?
A: Liquid (UPSC 33 Rank)
The interviewer said, "I shall either ask you ten easy questions or one really difficult question. Think well before you make up your mind!"
The boy thought for a while and said, "My choice is one really difficult question."
"Well, good luck to you, you have made your own choice! Now tell me this. 'What comes first, Day or Night?'"
The boy was jolted into reality as his admission depends on the correctness of his answer, but he thought for a while and said, "It's the DAY, sir!"
"How?" the interviewer asked.
"Sorry, sir, you promised me that you will not ask me a SECOND difficult question!"
He was selected for IIM!
"Technical skill is the mastery of complexity, while creativity is the master of presence of mind."
Cheerio,
Rajat
From India, Pune
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DIFFICULT QUESTIONS AND INTELLIGENT ANSWERS!
A little boy wanted Rs.50 very badly and prayed for weeks, but nothing happened. Finally, he decided to write God a letter requesting the Rs.50.
When the postal authorities received the letter addressed to God, INDIA, they decided to forward it to the President of India as a joke.
The President was so amused that he instructed his secretary to send the little boy Rs.20. The President thought this would appear to be a lot of money (Rs.50) to a little boy, and he did not want to spoil the kid.
The little boy was delighted with Rs.20 and decided to write a thank-you note to God, which read: "Dear God: Thank you very much for sending the money. However, I noticed that you sent it through the Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi, and those donkeys deducted Rs.30 in taxes."
Not only does our technical knowledge help, but also the presence of mind and the right answer at the right time.
Even if you don't know the answer to a question, just confuse the questioner.
Question and the answer given by candidates - oh sorry, they are IAS Officers now.
Q: How can you drop a raw egg onto a concrete floor without cracking it?
A: Concrete floors are very hard to crack! (UPSC Topper)
Q: If it took eight men ten hours to build a wall, how long would it take four men to build it?
A: No time at all, it is already built. (UPSC 23 Rank, Opted for IFS)
Q: If you had three apples and four oranges in one hand and four apples and three oranges in the other hand, what would you have?
A: Very large hands. (Good one) (UPSC 11 Rank, Opted for IPS)
Q: How can you lift an elephant with one hand?
A: It is not a problem since you will never find an elephant with one hand. (UPSC Rank 14, Opted for IES)
Q: How can a man go eight days without sleep?
A: No problem, he sleeps at night. (UPSC IAS Rank 98)
Q: If you throw a red stone into the blue sea, what will it become?
A: It will get wet or sink, as simple as that. (UPSC IAS Rank 2)
Q: What looks like half an apple?
A: The other half. (UPSC - IAS Topper)
Q: What can you never eat for breakfast?
A: Dinner.
Q: What happened when the wheel was invented?
A: It caused a revolution.
Q: Bay of Bengal is in which state?
A: Liquid (UPSC 33 Rank)
The interviewer said, "I shall either ask you ten easy questions or one really difficult question. Think well before you make up your mind!"
The boy thought for a while and said, "My choice is one really difficult question."
"Well, good luck to you, you have made your own choice! Now tell me this. 'What comes first, Day or Night?'"
The boy was jolted into reality as his admission depends on the correctness of his answer, but he thought for a while and said, "It's the DAY, sir!"
"How?" the interviewer asked.
"Sorry, sir, you promised me that you will not ask me a SECOND difficult question!"
He was selected for IIM!
"Technical skill is the mastery of complexity, while creativity is the master of presence of mind."
Cheerio,
Rajat
From India, Pune
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really good ones mr rajat expecting more soon u really seem to be interested in lateral thinkin
From India, Mumbai
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From India, Mumbai
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A man is found dead in a phone box. There is glass everywhere and two broken windows. How did he die? (the ans to this silly actually, but this is the ans written) work ur gray/grey cells
From India, Mumbai
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From India, Mumbai
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Hi... Am very tempted to give the answer....well for all folks ..am giving the two hints...Its related to sea/water ...in terms of profession & personality. Come on..think... Cheerio Rajat
From India, Pune
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From India, Pune
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Hi,
Some more brain teasers...
*One snowy night, Sherlock Holmes was in his house sitting by a fire. All of a sudden, a snowball came crashing through his window, breaking it.
Holmes got up and looked out the window just in time to see three neighborhood kids who were brothers run around a corner. Their names were John Crimson, Mark Crimson, and Paul Crimson.
The next day, Holmes got a note on his door that read "Crimson. He broke your window."
Which of the three Crimson brothers should Sherlock Holmes question about the incident?
*1-2-3-4-5-6
I am a 6-letter word.
Letters 6-5-2 spell out a drink.
Letters 4-5-2-3 spell out a fruit.
Letters 1-2-6 spell out a pet.
Letters 3-2-6 spell out a pest, which often gets eaten by 1-2-6.
What am I?
*This is a simple anagram game. I'll give you a description of a word and an anagram of the word.
Can you guess the word?
Ex.: This anagram of "sore" is something you might find in a garden.
Answer: rose
1. This anagram of "save" is something that might contain tulips.
2. Leopards and Dalmatians both have this anagram of "post."
3. You may be this anagram of "ads" if you did something wrong.
4. Use this anagram of "pore" to pull something heavy.
5. This anagram of "ate" goes good with cookies.
Cheerio
Rajat
From India, Pune
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Some more brain teasers...
*One snowy night, Sherlock Holmes was in his house sitting by a fire. All of a sudden, a snowball came crashing through his window, breaking it.
Holmes got up and looked out the window just in time to see three neighborhood kids who were brothers run around a corner. Their names were John Crimson, Mark Crimson, and Paul Crimson.
The next day, Holmes got a note on his door that read "Crimson. He broke your window."
Which of the three Crimson brothers should Sherlock Holmes question about the incident?
*1-2-3-4-5-6
I am a 6-letter word.
Letters 6-5-2 spell out a drink.
Letters 4-5-2-3 spell out a fruit.
Letters 1-2-6 spell out a pet.
Letters 3-2-6 spell out a pest, which often gets eaten by 1-2-6.
What am I?
*This is a simple anagram game. I'll give you a description of a word and an anagram of the word.
Can you guess the word?
Ex.: This anagram of "sore" is something you might find in a garden.
Answer: rose
1. This anagram of "save" is something that might contain tulips.
2. Leopards and Dalmatians both have this anagram of "post."
3. You may be this anagram of "ads" if you did something wrong.
4. Use this anagram of "pore" to pull something heavy.
5. This anagram of "ate" goes good with cookies.
Cheerio
Rajat
From India, Pune
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Well... here are the anagrams anagram'ed!!
1. This anagram of "save" is something that might contain tulips.
VASE
2. Leopards and Dalmatians both have this anagram of "post".
SPOT
3. You may be this anagram of "ads" if you did something wrong.
SAD
4. Use this anagram of "pore" to pull something heavy.
ROPE
5. This anagram of "ate" goes well with cookies.
TEA
Good ones...
This thread is becoming an enriching source of brain ticklers!!
Good going!!
;-))
From Switzerland, Geneva
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1. This anagram of "save" is something that might contain tulips.
VASE
2. Leopards and Dalmatians both have this anagram of "post".
SPOT
3. You may be this anagram of "ads" if you did something wrong.
SAD
4. Use this anagram of "pore" to pull something heavy.
ROPE
5. This anagram of "ate" goes well with cookies.
TEA
Good ones...
This thread is becoming an enriching source of brain ticklers!!
Good going!!
;-))
From Switzerland, Geneva
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Well, coming to the Sherlock Holmes problem...
"It's Elementary, My Dear Watson..."
The message CLEARLY gave the name of the culprit!! Remember the three guys were John Crimson, Mark Crimson, and Paul Crimson. Don't believe me? Read the message again:
" ? Crimson. He broke your window."
Did you get it? Read again, now a bit slowly, and yes, while reading, read aloud and listen to your words! If you still don't get it... hmm... well... we will tell!
From Switzerland, Geneva
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"It's Elementary, My Dear Watson..."
The message CLEARLY gave the name of the culprit!! Remember the three guys were John Crimson, Mark Crimson, and Paul Crimson. Don't believe me? Read the message again:
" ? Crimson. He broke your window."
Did you get it? Read again, now a bit slowly, and yes, while reading, read aloud and listen to your words! If you still don't get it... hmm... well... we will tell!
From Switzerland, Geneva
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Well... here are some funny anagrams I came across:
Dormitory: Dirty Room
Schoolmaster: The classroom
The Countryside: No City Dust Here
Desperation: A Rope Ends It
The Morse Code: Here Come Dots
Slot Machines: Cash Lost in 'em
Conversation: Voices Rant On
Heavy Rain: Hire a Navy
Mother-in-law: Woman Hitler
Funeral: Real Fun
Snooze Alarms: Alas! No More Z's
A Decimal Point: I'm a Dot in Place
Statue of Liberty: Built to Stay Free
Eleven plus two: Twelve plus one
Debit card: Bad Credit
Princess Diana = end is a car spin
President Clinton of the USA: To Copulate he finds interns
Well... we are also waiting for the answers to a couple of things that are remaining on the post... the telephone booth and others... ;-))
shoOOonya
From Switzerland, Geneva
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Dormitory: Dirty Room
Schoolmaster: The classroom
The Countryside: No City Dust Here
Desperation: A Rope Ends It
The Morse Code: Here Come Dots
Slot Machines: Cash Lost in 'em
Conversation: Voices Rant On
Heavy Rain: Hire a Navy
Mother-in-law: Woman Hitler
Funeral: Real Fun
Snooze Alarms: Alas! No More Z's
A Decimal Point: I'm a Dot in Place
Statue of Liberty: Built to Stay Free
Eleven plus two: Twelve plus one
Debit card: Bad Credit
Princess Diana = end is a car spin
President Clinton of the USA: To Copulate he finds interns
Well... we are also waiting for the answers to a couple of things that are remaining on the post... the telephone booth and others... ;-))
shoOOonya
From Switzerland, Geneva
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Hi Rajat Joshi,
A man is found dead in a phone box. There is glass everywhere and two broken windows. How did he die? (The answer to this is silly actually, but this is the answer written) work your gray/grey cells.
Am very tempted to give the answer. Well, for all folks, I am giving the two hints. It's related to the sea/water in terms of profession and personality. Come on, think. Cheerio, Rajat.
Oh, Mr. Rajat, you know all the answers. HOW??? I will have to search for something really tricky now just for you. Okay, the answer is "the guy was a fisherman, he was describing the size of the fish and thus breaks the glass and maybe cuts his veins and dies."
Hey, I'm happy I got the Sherlock Holmes vibe. The answer is mark right? Because of the question mark? Isn't it? Thanks for the hint, Shoonya. I am loving this thread. It's my third favorite after Sardaar jokes, friends are forever. Waiting for more.
From India, Mumbai
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A man is found dead in a phone box. There is glass everywhere and two broken windows. How did he die? (The answer to this is silly actually, but this is the answer written) work your gray/grey cells.
Am very tempted to give the answer. Well, for all folks, I am giving the two hints. It's related to the sea/water in terms of profession and personality. Come on, think. Cheerio, Rajat.
Oh, Mr. Rajat, you know all the answers. HOW??? I will have to search for something really tricky now just for you. Okay, the answer is "the guy was a fisherman, he was describing the size of the fish and thus breaks the glass and maybe cuts his veins and dies."
Hey, I'm happy I got the Sherlock Holmes vibe. The answer is mark right? Because of the question mark? Isn't it? Thanks for the hint, Shoonya. I am loving this thread. It's my third favorite after Sardaar jokes, friends are forever. Waiting for more.
From India, Mumbai
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Hi Sunayna,
Thank you for the compliments. Actually, this is my passion, especially how the brain works and problem-solving abilities. Be my guest and pose a difficult one. I am still learning.
More to come from my side shortly!
Cheerio,
Rajat
From India, Pune
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Thank you for the compliments. Actually, this is my passion, especially how the brain works and problem-solving abilities. Be my guest and pose a difficult one. I am still learning.
More to come from my side shortly!
Cheerio,
Rajat
From India, Pune
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Certainly! Here is the corrected text with proper spelling, grammar, punctuation, and paragraph formatting:
---
Okie, here's one:
Consider an arrow in flight. At any given moment of time, a snapshot could be taken of this arrow. In this snapshot, the arrow would not be moving. Let us now take another snapshot, leaving a very small gap of time between them. Again, the arrow is stationary. We can keep taking snapshots for each moment of time, each of which shows the arrow to be stationary. Therefore, the overall effect is that the arrow never moves; however, it still hits the target! Where lies the flaw in the logic? (I think this is tough because I didn't understand it, even after reading the answer).
All the very best! I am having fun trying to search tough ones for you, lol. And I'm sure you're going to have fun solving them. :P
---
I hope the corrections align with your expectations.
From India, Mumbai
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---
Okie, here's one:
Consider an arrow in flight. At any given moment of time, a snapshot could be taken of this arrow. In this snapshot, the arrow would not be moving. Let us now take another snapshot, leaving a very small gap of time between them. Again, the arrow is stationary. We can keep taking snapshots for each moment of time, each of which shows the arrow to be stationary. Therefore, the overall effect is that the arrow never moves; however, it still hits the target! Where lies the flaw in the logic? (I think this is tough because I didn't understand it, even after reading the answer).
All the very best! I am having fun trying to search tough ones for you, lol. And I'm sure you're going to have fun solving them. :P
---
I hope the corrections align with your expectations.
From India, Mumbai
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Well... The arrow does not move!! But what about the surrounding/background!! In each of the snapshots, the surrounding is moving, the target is slowly/gradually/steadily moving into the picture and "hitting" the arrow. In your snapshot version of the situation, the arrow is your point of reference and the world around (the surrounding as well as the target) is moving. In this frame of reference, the target and not the arrow is moving. Boy!! A case of the target hitting the arrow!! Hey Sunayna, does all this make sense??? This tricky problem has probably got its roots in the 'Theory of Relativity' propounded by Einstein!! As I once read somewhere... Money is a relative term! More money you have; more relatives you have ;-)) ...shoOOonya... PS - This thread is the best one I have seen on CiteHr, more so because of my own inclination for brain ticklers and puzzlers!! Great going Rajat and Sunayna....!!
From Switzerland, Geneva
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From Switzerland, Geneva
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Hi all,
Anu, there is no attachment. Could you please post it again? I came in late here, but there is a really good discussion going on. I had nice fun solving the puzzles. Please keep posting such stuff! :D
Cheers,
Pallavi
From India, Pune
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Anu, there is no attachment. Could you please post it again? I came in late here, but there is a really good discussion going on. I had nice fun solving the puzzles. Please keep posting such stuff! :D
Cheers,
Pallavi
From India, Pune
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Friends, check it out ....
Answer this:
I am a 7 letter animal…if last 4 letters r removed, I’m used in cooking….if first 4 then I’m female and if last 3 removed then used by men….
Tell me who am I??????????
From United States, Lincolnshire
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Answer this:
I am a 7 letter animal…if last 4 letters r removed, I’m used in cooking….if first 4 then I’m female and if last 3 removed then used by men….
Tell me who am I??????????
From United States, Lincolnshire
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[quote=shoOOonya]
The Arrow does not move!!
But what about the surrounding/background!!
In each of the snapshots, the surrounding is moving, the target is slowly/gradually/steadily moving into the picture and "hitting" the arrow...
In your snapshot version of the situation, the Arrow is your point of reference, and the World around (the surrounding as well as the Target) is moving. In this frame of reference, the Target and not the Arrow is moving....
Boy!! A case of Target hitting the Arrow!!
Hey Sunayna... does all this make sense....???
I dunno, I read it twice, but sorry.... I have no clue. Are you saying the board moved - then no.
Hmmm.... there is a theory involved, shoonya, not Einstein's, but look at the bright side... you are close... just guess the right theory :P
Hihihi ya.. heard that too
Yup.. I hope others join in too.
Great going shoonya too.
From India, Mumbai
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The Arrow does not move!!
But what about the surrounding/background!!
In each of the snapshots, the surrounding is moving, the target is slowly/gradually/steadily moving into the picture and "hitting" the arrow...
In your snapshot version of the situation, the Arrow is your point of reference, and the World around (the surrounding as well as the Target) is moving. In this frame of reference, the Target and not the Arrow is moving....
Boy!! A case of Target hitting the Arrow!!
Hey Sunayna... does all this make sense....???
I dunno, I read it twice, but sorry.... I have no clue. Are you saying the board moved - then no.
Hmmm.... there is a theory involved, shoonya, not Einstein's, but look at the bright side... you are close... just guess the right theory :P
Hihihi ya.. heard that too
Yup.. I hope others join in too.
Great going shoonya too.
From India, Mumbai
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Hai everybody,
Here is one test:
Nine Questions Quiz
1. What is the connection between Ben Corson and Roger Stoughton and riot control?
2. Who was Lady Creighton-Ward?
3. A maritime poser: Homo-Sapien ÷ Rent = ?
4. What 15-letter word contains the letter 'E' five times and no other vowels?
5. What is deoxyribonucleic acid?
6. What word ends with an S in its plural masculine form, but changes to singular feminine when another S is added to the end?
7. Why was Dr Who's 'Tardis' so called?
8. These very old iconic symbols were responsible for what modern system? - the Moon, the Sun, the planet Saturn, and the Anglo-Saxon gods: Thor, Tiw, Woden, and his wife Frig.
9. What do the words ALMOST and BIOPSY have in common?
Answers later!!
Thanks
Bala
From India, Madras
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Here is one test:
Nine Questions Quiz
1. What is the connection between Ben Corson and Roger Stoughton and riot control?
2. Who was Lady Creighton-Ward?
3. A maritime poser: Homo-Sapien ÷ Rent = ?
4. What 15-letter word contains the letter 'E' five times and no other vowels?
5. What is deoxyribonucleic acid?
6. What word ends with an S in its plural masculine form, but changes to singular feminine when another S is added to the end?
7. Why was Dr Who's 'Tardis' so called?
8. These very old iconic symbols were responsible for what modern system? - the Moon, the Sun, the planet Saturn, and the Anglo-Saxon gods: Thor, Tiw, Woden, and his wife Frig.
9. What do the words ALMOST and BIOPSY have in common?
Answers later!!
Thanks
Bala
From India, Madras
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