Puzzles are a practical way of measuring your lateral thinking. It demonstrates the problem-solving and creative
thinking abilities in the real world. These challenges are especially popular with Tier-1 firms looking for applicants with more advanced programming skills.
We've included this topic as an optional topic that you can work on whenever you're bored. However, we encourage that you complete all of the riddles to have a sense of
different types of brain storming puzzles. And who knows, you might come across one of the problems you've already seen here.
What is the aim of puzzles asking?
This method is unusual in that it uses puzzle challenges to help the recruiter find the perfect match. It is frequently used in IT job interviews.
These are logical reasoning exercises by which one can deduce man's crtical thinking . The following are the major reasons
for asking riddles during job interviews:
โฎ Critical Thinking
โฎ Problem solving skills
โฎ Creativity
โฎ Function under pressure
How to Answer?
๐ Don't rush through your response to the question. To begin, take your time and carefully read the riddles. Puzzles might be tough, and there is a good chance you will make a mistake.
So take your time reading the puzzle and making sure you grasp it completely.
๐ Even if you've solved a lot of puzzles, you can still get a more difficult one. So, if you're still unsure, clarify the issue and then only answer the questions.
๐ Make sure you express your response in a clear and succinct manner so that the interviewer can comprehend it quickly and without wasting time.
๐ Do not wait for a response. It doesn't matter if you're correct all of the time. Determine whether the solution is correct or incorrect. Demonstrate your diligence by attempting to answer the question.
We've compiled a list of the top 30 puzzles from firms like Amazon, Microsoft, Facebook, Adobe, Yahoo, Morgan Stanley, Bloomberg,
Nvidia, and others. You can play with the puzzles and practise them.
There
are 5 lanes on a race track. One needs to find out the 3 fastest horses among total of 25. Find out the minimum number of races to be conducted in order to determine the fastest three.
This puzzle puts the interviewee's problem-solving
skills to the test. The strategy comprises running five races, each with five horses in each group. Following that, a sixth race is held between the winners of the
previous five races to select the three fastest horses (labelled A1, B1, A=, and C1). Horses B1, C1, second and third from horse A1's group (A2, A3), second horse from horse
B1's group compete in the seventh race (B2). The horses that place first and second in the seventh race are the second and third fastest horses overall.
There are three mislabeled jars, the first of which
contains apple and the second of which has oranges. The third jar is filled with a combination of apples and oranges. You can pick as many fruits as required to precisely
label each jar. Determine the minimum number of fruits to be picked up in the process of labeling the jars?
This is another difficult challenge that will require you to use your thinking to solve. A notable feature of this puzzle is the circular misplacement, which means that if an
apple is incorrectly labelled as Apple, it cannot be labelled as Orange, and must instead be labelled as A+O. We're all aware that everything is in the wrong place, therefore
the A+O jar holds either Apple or Orange (but not both).
The candidate chooses one fruit from A+O, which we'll suppose is an apple. He labels the container as apple, yet an apple jar cannot contain A+O. As a result, the
last jar in the procedure should be labelled A+O. Basically, picking only one fruit makes it easier to label the jars appropriately.
How can we calculate 45 minutes when we have two identical wires that each require an hour to burn? We've got matchsticks on hand.
The wires burn in a non-uniform manner. As an example, a wire's two halves could burn in 10 minutes and 50 minutes, respectively.
One wire should be lit from both sides, while the other should be lit from only one side.
So 60/2 = 30 signifies that after thirty minutes, one wire is totally burned, and it's time to start the second wire. So far, one wire has burned out of the 60-minute time limit,
and 30 minutes have elapsed. So it will burn for 30 minutes, but because we lit it from both sides, it will also burn for 15 minutes.
In a room, there are five switches and five bulbs (not in that room but on different floors). Calculate how many visits you'll
need to make to figure out which switch is connected to which light.
Turn on Switch A and leave it turned on. Turn it off and turn on Switch B. Examine the bulbs; the one that is lit relates to Switch B, while the one that is hot but not lit
refers to Switch A. Repeat for the remaining three bulbs, with the hot bulb corresponding to Switch C, the illuminated bulb corresponding to Switch D, and the bulb that is
neither hot nor lighted corresponding to Switch E.
Hence 2 trips
When a rectangular cake has already been sliced into two equal pieces, how would you cut it into two equal pieces?
It doesn't matter what size or orientation the sliced piece is. You can only make one straight cut at a time.
Let's begin with the simplest option. The ensuing slices are of similar size if you make one straight horizontal cut along the height of the cake.
On a cake with icing, however, this approach might not work as well. When a straight cut through the middle of a rectangle is done at any angle, the resulting pieces are always
of equal area. So, let's take a look at our circumstance. What if we cut a straight line through the centre of both rectangles? Because the cut halves both rectangles, the
resulting two pieces will have the same area. Each piece is half the original cake's size, minus half the size of the missing rectangular piece. Assuming the cake's height
is constant throughout, this results in two portions of identical size.
There are 9 balls, and you must discover the problematic ball with the fewest possible comparisons.
Divide the balls into three groups of three. Compare and contrast the first two groupings. Group 3 has the heaviest ball if they are balanced. If not,
the heavier group will be in charge of the heavy ball. Find the heavier ball by comparing any two balls from the heavier group.
So, the minimum numbers of comparisons = 2.
You have a car and three people: your sweetheart, an elderly lady who needs to be taken to the hospital right away,
and a close buddy who needs to fly to his dream firm for a job interview. Everyone else in the city is engaging in a strike, so they can't help you. You only have one
extra seat in the automobile. Who would you choose?
I'd give my best friend the keys to the car and tell him to transport the elderly lady to the hospital. Then I'd stay behind and wait for my lover's bus.
A birthday cake must be cut into eight equal pieces in exactly three cuts. Determine how you'll be able to do this division.
If you truly put your mind to it, you can answer this puzzle in no time. The method comprises slicing the cake horizontally down the centre, followed by a vertical divide across
the centre. The cake will be divided into four equal pieces using the horizontal and vertical divisions.
Simply stack the four parts one on top of the other in the final step, then divide the stack in half with the third division. This gives you the 8 equal cake pieces
as well as the solution to your puzzle.
There are 2 jugs with 4 litres and 5 litres of water respectively. The objective is to pour exactly 7 litres of water
in a bucket. How can it be accomplished?
This is a medium-difficulty question that should take no longer than 2 minutes to complete. The method here is to fill the 5L jug with water and then empty it into the 4L jug.
1L of water will be left in the 5L jug, which will be dumped into the bucket. Empty the 4L jug in the meantime.
The process is continued until the bucket is filled with 2 litres of water. Fill the 5L jug halfway with water and empty it into the bucket. Because you added percent
L directly to the already gathered 2L of water in the bucket, the bucket now has 7L of water.
Three ants are seated on the three corners of a triangle. All of the ants choose a direction at random and begin travelling
along the triangle's perimeter. What is the chance that two ants will collide?
Collisions do not occur only in the following two scenarios.
The ants all march in a clockwise direction.
The ants all march in a anti-clockwise direction.
There are a total of 23 possibilities because each ant has two options (choose either of two edges passing through the corner on which the ant is initially sitting).
Only two of the 23 scenarios do not result in a collision. As a result, the likelihood of a collision is 6/8, whereas the likelihood of a non-collision is 2/8.
In the wardrobe, there are ten black socks and ten white socks (no left-right differentiation). Your goal is
to draw the fewest number of socks possible at random to ensure that you get a pair of socks of the same hue.
After three tries, you'll have a matching pair of socks because only two socks of either hue are required. Let's pretend the first sock pulled from the closet is black.
There are only two possibilities at this point: If the next sock is black, we have a matching pair of socks and are finished. There will be a white and a black sock if the
next sock is white. The next sock drawn will now make a pair no matter what. There will be two socks of one hue and one of the other colour, whether a black or white sock
is selected from the wardrobe. As a result, with the third sock drawn, there will always be a pair. So the answer is three
The bridge is 30 kilometres long. The bridge is only capable of supporting a weight of 1000 kg. That bridge must be crossed by
a car weighing 1000 kg. When the automobile reaches the bridge's midpoint, a bird flies up and lands on top of it. The bird is 400 grams in weight.
The bridge will not collapse.
The car must have used more than 400 grams of fuel after travelling half of the bridge, which is 15 kilometres. As a result, the additional weight of the bird will have no effect.
You are given 13 bottles of wine with the same quantity of alcohol, one of which is poisoned. You now have four rats. One of the
thirteen wine bottles has been tainted. By feeding the wines to the rats, you can figure out which bottle is poisoned. The wine takes 24 hours to kill the rats, and you now
have four to test. Within 24 hours, identify the poisoned bottle.
From 1 to 13, number the bottles and convert the numbers to binary. Each rat is given a number that corresponds to a position in the binary numerals on the bottles. Because
log2 13 = 4 (rounded), the binary representation has 4 slots, each of which is given to a rat starting with LSB.
The rat is given a sip from the bottle if a location in the binary representation of the bottle is 1, otherwise not.
We verify which rats die after 24 hours and write their assigned placements. If rats 1 and 3 die (assigned by LSB), the bottle no. 0101, i.e. the fifth, gets poisoned.
There are 9 balls, one of which has a weight flaw. You must locate the defective ball using the fewest amount of comparisons possible.
Because it isn't specified whether the faulty ball is heavier or lighter than the others, three comparisons are required. Divide the 9 balls into three groups of three, each
requiring two comparisons to determine if the ball is heavier or lighter. Divide the 3 balls into three groups of one, each requiring one comparison...hence just three comparisons
are required.
In a knockout event, every losing player is promptly removed from the remaining rounds of play until just one winner remains.
Determine the following if the tournament begins with n players:
(a) What is the total number of matches that must be played in order to choose a winner?
(b) How many rounds are there in such a tournament?
(a) Because this is a knockout event, a player is only eliminated if he loses. As a result, all other players must lose one match in order to have a single final winner.
Now, because a person is eliminated after losing one match, we'll need (n-1) matches to get n-1 losers and a single winner. As a result, the solution is (n-1) matches.
(b) If n = 2^k, the total number of rounds is k = log n to base 2: each round reduces the number of surviving players by half, and the rounds continue until there
are only one player left. If n isn't always a power of two, the answer is the smallest power of two bigger than or equal to n. For example, if the number of rounds is
n = 10, the number of rounds is equal to log10 to the base 2, which is 3.32. Because we can't have 3.32 rounds, we'll have to round to the nearest integer, which is 4.
So, for n=10, we'll need four rounds.
There is a 100 ร 100 metre pond with a diamond in the middle of the pond over a large stone. You have two 48-meter planks
and must remove the diamond from the pond with these planks. So, how do you get the diamond out of the pond? (Keep in mind that the depth of the pond is unknown, and if a
person steps on a board, they will sink)
Consider a square pond with a side length of 100 metres, with one side on the positive X-axis and the other on the positive Y-axis. Now place one plank on the line segment
connecting (33,0) and (0,33), the line segment length is 46.669048, allowing you to balance the plank on both sides of the pond. Next, place another plank on the line segment
connecting the mid point of the previous first plank and the centre of the big stone, i.e., the river's centre, the line segment length is 47.5, and the person can now take the diamond.
Given ten balls, the aim is to arrange them in five lines, with each line containing exactly four balls.
The following is the answer to the above puzzle:
Draw a pentagon in the centre of the star.
Place each ball at the crossroads of extended pentagon lines.
Place the remaining baslls on the pentagon's five vertices.
As a result, the answer to "Ten balls in five lines" is:
Each family continues to have babies until they have a son in a country where everyone desires a boy. After a period of time,
the country's boy-to-girl ratio is X: 1. What is the value of X?
Assumptions: The chances of having a boy or a girl are equal. Also, history has no bearing on the likelihood of the following child being a male.
Let NG represent the number of expected girls before a boy is born. Let p represent the probability of a child being a girl and (1-p) represent the probability of a child being a boy.
As a result, the expected number of girls is one. Because there is always a baby boy and the expected number of girls is one, the expected boy-to-girl ratio is 50:50.
A spider is attempting to construct its own web. It doubles the amount of work done on a daily basis. How many days did
it take the spider to create 25% of the web if the spider completed the entire web in 15 days?
13 days will take for 25% of the web.
15 Days for 100%
14 days for 50%
13 days for 15%
12 days for 12.5%
and so onโฆโฆโฆ.
What time can be measured using only a four-minute hourglass
and a seven-minute hourglass, with the process taking no longer than the time we're trying to measure?
Use the 4 minute hourglass twice for a total of 8 minutes. Use a 4 minute hourglass followed by a 7 minute hourglass for 11 minutes.
Start both hourglasses at 0 minutes for 9 minutes. When the four-minute glass runs out (at 4:00), flip it over; the same goes for the seven-minute glass (at 7:00).
The seven-minute glass will have one minute of sand in its lower bulb when the four-minute glass runs out the second time (at 8:00). Turn the seven-minute glass over and
let the sand flow for another minute. It will be nine minutes when the last grain falls.
You're on a spaceship with an n-processor computer. The starship is suddenly attacked by an alien laser beam, which damages part of the systems.
You are aware, however, that more than half of the CPUs are still functional.
You can ask one processor whether another is a good or bad processor. A good processor will always tell you the truth, while a bad processor will always tell you the truth.
A'step' is when one processor is asked whether another processor is good or bad. Determine the shortest number of steps required to locate at least one suitable processor.
Let's call the processors 1 through n. Start by asking processor 1 if processor 2 is in excellent working order. Remove these two processors from the list and start over if
the answer is "no." Because one good and one terrible CPU were eliminated from the list, more than half of the remaining processors are still good. If processor 1 says processor
2 is good, keep asking about processor 3 and 4, and so on, until you get a "no" response. Assume that processor j is the one who claims that processor j+1 is evil.
Remove both processors j and j+1 from the list (because one of the two you removed was good and the other was poor, more than half of the remaining processors are still good),
and ask processor j-1 about processor j (the processor that was after j+1 before you removed it and the original processor j).
You're forming a "chain" of processors, each of which considers the next processor in the chain to be excellent. So either all of these CPUs are good or
all of them are harmful. When this chain includes more than half of the processors in the remaining list, you can be confident that all of them are good. Alternatively,
if you've removed so many processors that only one or two remain, you can be confident that one or both are functional.
Note that each CPU is only asked about once, and the first processor is never asked about, demonstrating that this involves at most n-2 steps.
Also, because you end once the chain is longer than half the list, the last processor is never asked about. So, total n - 2 steps
You're on a stringent medical regimen that calls for you to take two different sorts of medicines every day.
You must take one A pill and one B pill at the exact same time. You don't want to squander any of the tablets because they're so pricey. So you take a tablet from
the bottle of A pills and tap it into your hand. Then you open the bottle of B pills and repeat the process, but you make a mistake, and two B tablets, along with
the A pill, fall into your fingers.
The tablets, on the other hand, are all identical. There is no way to distinguish between A and B tablets. Is it possible to stick to your schedule and take
one of each medication at the same time without wasting any?
Each pill should be cut in half and divided into two piles. Then take another A tablet from the container, half it, and place each half in one of the piles.
Each pile now contains two halves of each pill kind, so you only need to take one of the piles (and the other the next day).
At Fairway on the upper west side, two MIT math grads run into each other. They hadn't seen each other in more than two decades
"How have you been?" the first grad asks the second.
"Wow!" says the second. I married and am now the mother of three girls."
"Really?" says the first. "What are their ages?"
Second: "Well, the sum of their ages equals the number on that building over there, and the product of their ages equals 72."
"All okay, ok.. oh wait.. hmm, I still don't know," says the first.
"Sorry, the oldest one just started playing the piano," says the second.
"Wonderful!" said the first. "My eldest child is the same age as yours!"
What are the ages of the daughters?.
We know there are three girls, whose ages total 72. Let's have a look at the options... Ages:
The second man can't figure out their ages after glancing at the building number, so the sum of their ages (or building number) must be 14,
because that is the only sum with more than one alternative. Finally, the guy learns that the oldest daughter exists. The "2 6 6" scenario is ruled out since
the two oldest would be twins. As a result, the ages of the daughters must be "3 3 8."
Determine the greatest number of kings that may be placed on a chessboard so that no two kings attack each other,
i.e., no king is under check, given an 8x8 checkerboard. On the chessboard, a king can only move one step in either direction at a time (horizontally, vertically and diagonally).
If we have n+1 pigeons and n pigeon holes (or cages), we must have one hole (or cage) with more than one pigeon, according to the Pigeonhole Principle.
This problem has a solution of 16. But how did we come to this conclusion? The important thing to remember in this puzzle is that whenever two kings are within a 2*2 square, they are always checked.
We will always have two kings under check, no matter how we arrange them on a 2*2 chessboard. We can easily deduce from this fact that a 2*2 square can only hold one king.
A 2*2 square might be thought of as a hole (cage) for our pigeons, or monarchs. As a result, a 2*2 square takes up 4 square units of space. The square chess board has a total area
of 64 square units (assuming the chessboard is 8 units by 8 units). In this instance, we have 64/4 = 16 cages or holes.
So the formula is : floor((n * n)/4)
Assume you're on a game show and you're presented with three options: A automobile is parked behind one door,
while goats are parked behind the others. You choose a door, say No. 1, and the host, who knows what's behind the doors, opens No. 3, which contains a goat.
"Do you want to pick door number two?" he asks. What are your chances of winning a car if you switch?
It's a 2/3 chance that your first choice didn't have a car. As a result, you should switch to the opposite gate and win the car with a 2/3 chance.
๐Conclusion
This page has finally reached its conclusion. With the information on this page, you should be able to construct your own programmes with some research, and modest projects are
actually encouraged for honing your programming skills. There's no way to cover everything you need to know to be a successful programmer in a single course. In truth, whether you're
a seasoned professional developer or a complete beginner, programming is a never-ending learning process.
Good luck and happy learning!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Puzzle questions in interviews are a type of problem-solving questions that employers often use to assess a candidate's critical thinking, problem-solving skills,
creativity, and ability to think under pressure. These questions are typically unconventional and require candidates to think outside the box to find a solution. Puzzle
questions can be in various formats, such as riddles, brain teasers, logical problems, or mathematical challenges. Here are some common characteristics of puzzle questions
in interviews:
1. Unconventional Problems: Puzzle questions present problems that are different from typical technical or job-specific questions. They aim to assess a candidate's ability to approach
unfamiliar or challenging situations.
2. Critical Thinking: Puzzle questions require candidates to analyze information, identify patterns, and apply logical reasoning to arrive at a solution. They assess a candidate's ability
to think critically and come up with innovative approaches.
3. Problem-Solving Skills: These questions evaluate a candidate's problem-solving abilities, including their strategy development, decision-making, and analytical skills. Candidates need
to break down complex problems into manageable parts and develop a logical solution pathway.
4. Creativity and Out-of-the-Box Thinking: Puzzle questions often require candidates to think creatively and consider alternative perspectives or unconventional solutions. Employers are
interested in assessing a candidate's ability to think beyond traditional approaches.
5. Time Pressure: Puzzle questions are usually presented with a time constraint to simulate real-life scenarios where quick thinking and efficient problem-solving are necessary. Candidates
are expected to work under pressure and deliver solutions within the given timeframe.
6. Communication and Problem Articulation: Employers may also assess a candidate's communication skills during puzzle questions. Candidates should be able to clearly articulate their
thought process, explain their reasoning, and engage in a productive discussion with the interviewer.
7. Assumptions and Clarification: Puzzle questions often involve ambiguous or incomplete information. Candidates may need to ask clarifying questions or make reasonable assumptions to
fill in the gaps and arrive at a solution.
8. Learning Attitude: Employers are interested in understanding how candidates approach unfamiliar problems and whether they demonstrate a willingness to learn, adapt, and explore new
concepts or techniques.
It's important to note that puzzle questions are not about finding a specific right answer. The focus is more on the candidate's problem-solving approach, logical reasoning, and ability
to think critically. The interviewer is interested in understanding how candidates tackle challenging situations and whether they demonstrate resilience, creativity, and adaptability in
finding solutions. Preparing for puzzle questions involves practicing different types of logical and analytical problems, improving problem-solving skills, and staying calm and composed
during the interview process.
Yes, puzzles are commonly asked in interviews, particularly for positions that require problem-solving, critical thinking, and analytical skills. Puzzles are used by
employers to assess a candidate's ability to approach complex problems, think logically, and come up with creative solutions. Here's a detailed explanation of why puzzles
are asked in interviews:
1. Problem-Solving Assessment: Puzzles provide a way for employers to evaluate a candidate's problem-solving abilities. They present candidates with unfamiliar or challenging scenarios
and assess their approach to finding solutions. Puzzle questions assess a candidate's ability to break down complex problems, analyze information, identify patterns, and apply logical
reasoning to arrive at a solution.
2. Critical Thinking Evaluation: Puzzles are designed to assess a candidate's critical thinking skills. Employers want to gauge a candidate's ability to analyze information, think
logically, and make sound decisions. Puzzles require candidates to think critically, consider multiple perspectives, and evaluate different possibilities before arriving at an answer.
3. Creativity and Innovation Assessment: Puzzles often require candidates to think creatively and come up with innovative solutions. Employers are interested in candidates who can
approach problems from unconventional angles and provide unique insights. Puzzles allow candidates to demonstrate their ability to think outside the box and showcase their creativity.
4. Problem-Solving Under Pressure: Puzzles are sometimes presented with a time constraint to simulate real-world situations where quick thinking and efficient problem-solving are
necessary. Employers want to see how candidates perform under pressure and whether they can effectively manage their time while finding solutions.
5. Communication and Collaboration Skills: Puzzle questions also assess a candidate's communication and collaboration skills. Candidates may be asked to explain their thought process,
articulate their reasoning, and engage in a productive discussion with the interviewer. Employers are interested in candidates who can effectively communicate complex ideas and work
collaboratively in problem-solving scenarios.
6. Assessing Learning Attitude: Puzzles are an opportunity for employers to evaluate a candidate's attitude towards learning and problem-solving. Employers are interested in candidates
who are willing to learn new concepts, adapt to unfamiliar situations, and demonstrate a growth mindset. Puzzles can reveal a candidate's ability to embrace challenges and persist in
finding solutions.
7. Assessing Cultural Fit: Puzzles can also be used to assess a candidate's fit within the company culture. Some organizations value puzzle-solving as part of their work environment,
and asking puzzles in interviews helps gauge a candidate's alignment with that culture.
It's important to note that puzzles are just one part of the interview process and are typically used in combination with other types of questions and assessments. Candidates should
approach puzzles with a calm and logical mindset, communicate their thought process clearly, and be open to discussing alternative solutions. Preparing for puzzles in interviews involves
practicing different types of puzzles, improving problem-solving skills, and sharpening critical thinking abilities.
Sure! Here's an example of a puzzle question that could be asked in an interview:
Question: You are given a standard deck of 52 playing cards, which includes 4 suits (hearts, diamonds, clubs, spades) and 13 cards per suit (Ace through King). The cards are thoroughly
shuffled. Your task is to divide the deck into two piles, each with an equal number of cards facing up, such that each pile has an equal number of cards from each suit. How would you
accomplish this?
Explanation:
This puzzle question tests your ability to think logically and devise a solution under constraints. Here's a step-by-step approach to solving the puzzle:
1. Observe the Constraints: Take note of the conditions given in the question. You need to divide the deck into two piles, each with an equal number of cards facing up. Additionally, each
pile should have an equal number of cards from each suit.
2. Identify Key Insights: In a standard deck, there are 13 cards per suit. To achieve an equal number of cards from each suit in each pile, you'll need to distribute 13/2 = 6 cards from
each suit.
3. Create the Piles: Begin by creating two empty piles. Start distributing cards from each suit one by one, making sure to alternate between the piles. For example, place the first card
from the hearts suit in pile 1, the second card from hearts in pile 2, the third card from hearts in pile 1 again, and so on.
4. Distribute Cards Equally: Continue distributing cards in this manner, alternating between piles, until you have placed 6 cards from each suit in each pile. Ensure that both piles have
an equal number of cards facing up.
5. Verify the Solution: Once you have distributed the cards, verify that each pile has an equal number of cards facing up and an equal number of cards from each suit. Count the cards in
each pile and check that each suit is represented equally.
Remember, the interviewer is not solely interested in the correct answer but also in your problem-solving approach, logical thinking, and ability to explain your reasoning. You can
showcase your thought process by discussing the steps you would take and any assumptions you make along the way.
Solving puzzle tricks requires a combination of critical thinking, observation, creativity, and a systematic approach. Here are some general strategies and tips to help
you solve puzzle tricks:
1. Understand the Puzzle:
- Read the puzzle carefully and make sure you fully understand the instructions, constraints, and any given clues.
- Identify the goal or objective of the puzzle and what you need to achieve.
2. Analyze and Observe:
- Carefully examine the puzzle elements, such as shapes, patterns, numbers, or words.
- Look for any hidden patterns, repeated elements, or anomalies that might provide clues.
- Take note of any specific instructions, hints, or constraints provided in the puzzle.
3. Break It Down:
- Break the puzzle into smaller components or subproblems that are easier to solve.
- Identify any logical connections or dependencies between different parts of the puzzle.
- Try to simplify or reframe the puzzle to gain a new perspective.
4. Use Trial and Error:
- If the puzzle allows it, use a trial and error approach by trying different combinations or solutions.
- Keep track of what you have tried and the results to eliminate possibilities and narrow down the potential solutions.
5. Make Assumptions and Hypotheses:
- If the puzzle contains ambiguous or missing information, make reasonable assumptions to fill in the gaps.
- Formulate hypotheses or theories about how the puzzle might be solved and test them systematically.
6. Employ Logical Reasoning:
- Use deductive and inductive reasoning to analyze the given information and make logical deductions.
- Look for cause-and-effect relationships, logical sequences, or patterns that can help you arrive at a solution.
7. Be Creative and Think Outside the Box:
- Puzzle tricks often require thinking beyond conventional approaches.
- Challenge assumptions, explore alternative perspectives, and consider unconventional solutions.
- Don't hesitate to try different strategies or approaches that may seem unusual or counterintuitive.
8. Collaborate and Seek Help:
- If you're stuck on a puzzle, consider seeking help from others, such as friends or online puzzle-solving communities.
- Discussing the puzzle with others can provide new insights and perspectives that may lead to a breakthrough.
9. Stay Persistent and Patient:
- Puzzle tricks can be challenging and may require multiple attempts before finding the solution.
- Stay persistent, maintain a positive mindset, and be patient with yourself as you work through the puzzle.
Remember, solving puzzle tricks is as much about the journey as it is about finding the solution. Enjoy the process, embrace the challenge, and learn from each puzzle you encounter.
With practice and a systematic approach, you can improve your puzzle-solving skills and tackle even the most complex puzzles.
Here's an example of a logic puzzle known as the "Einstein's Riddle" or "Zebra Puzzle":
Question:
There are five houses of different colors in a row. In each house, there lives a person of a different nationality, each of whom drinks a different beverage, smokes a different brand of
cigarettes, and keeps a different pet. Given the following clues, can you determine who owns the fish?
1. The Brit lives in the red house.
2. The Swede keeps dogs as pets.
3. The Dane drinks tea.
4. The green house is just to the left of the white house.
5. The owner of the green house drinks coffee.
6. The person who smokes Pall Mall cigars keeps birds.
7. The owner of the yellow house smokes Dunhill.
8. The person living in the center house drinks milk.
9. The Norwegian lives in the first house.
10. The person who smokes Blends lives next to the one who keeps cats.
11. The person who keeps horses lives next to the one who smokes Dunhill.
12. The person who smokes Blue Master drinks beer.
13. The German smokes Prince.
14. The Norwegian lives next to the blue house.
15. The person who smokes Blends has a neighbor who drinks water.
Now, the question is: Who owns the fish?
Explanation:
This logic puzzle involves deducing information by applying logical reasoning and eliminating possibilities based on the given clues. Here's a step-by-step approach to solving the puzzle:
1. Create a Grid: Draw a grid with five columns representing the houses and five rows representing the house attributes: color, nationality, beverage, cigarette, and pet.
2. Use the Clues: Apply the clues one by one to fill in the grid. Start with the clues that provide specific information, such as "The Norwegian lives in the first house" or "The green
house is just to the left of the white house." Use the process of elimination to determine the possible options for each attribute in each house.
3. Make Inferences: Based on the given clues, make logical deductions and fill in additional information in the grid. For example, if the Brit lives in the red house and the Swede keeps
dogs, mark the corresponding cells in the grid.
4. Continue Elimination: Use the process of elimination to narrow down the possibilities for each attribute in each house. Cross out options that are no longer valid based on the given
information.
5. Deduce the Solution: Analyze the information in the grid and look for patterns or connections that can help you deduce the owner of the fish. Consider the clues that involve the fish
indirectly, such as neighbors or specific combinations.
Using the given clues and applying logical reasoning, you can eventually deduce that the German owns the fish. This conclusion can be reached by analyzing the remaining options for each
attribute and eliminating possibilities based on the clues.
The Einstein's Riddle is a classic example of a logic puzzle that requires careful analysis, deduction, and the ability to draw logical conclusions from given information. Solving such
puzzles involves critical thinking, attention to detail, and the ability to systematically process and analyze multiple pieces of information to arrive at a solution.
There are various ways to categorize puzzles, and while different classifications exist, here are four common types of puzzles:
1. Logical Puzzles:
Logical puzzles focus on reasoning and deductive thinking. These puzzles often involve analyzing patterns, making deductions based on given information, and solving problems using logical
rules. Examples include Sudoku, Einstein's Riddle, logic grid puzzles, and brain teasers like the "Monty Hall problem." Logical puzzles challenge your ability to think critically, make
inferences, and draw logical conclusions.
2. Mathematical Puzzles:
Mathematical puzzles involve numerical or mathematical concepts. These puzzles often require you to apply mathematical operations, solve equations, work with sequences or patterns, or use
mathematical principles to arrive at a solution. Examples include math riddles, number series puzzles, mathematical brain teasers, and geometric puzzles like the "Tower of Hanoi."
Mathematical puzzles test your mathematical skills, problem-solving abilities, and logical reasoning with numbers and equations.
3. Word Puzzles:
Word puzzles involve language and verbal skills. These puzzles typically require you to manipulate words, letters, or sentences to uncover hidden meanings, solve anagrams, complete
wordplay, or find specific words or phrases. Examples include crossword puzzles, word searches, cryptograms, word ladders, and word association puzzles. Word puzzles challenge your
vocabulary, language comprehension, and ability to think creatively with words.
4. Visual Puzzles:
Visual puzzles rely on visual perception and spatial reasoning. These puzzles often involve visual patterns, optical illusions, geometrical shapes, mazes, or picture-based challenges.
Examples include jigsaw puzzles, spot-the-difference puzzles, tangrams, Sudoku variants like "Kakuro," and the "Rubik's Cube." Visual puzzles test your visual perception, attention to
detail, spatial reasoning, and ability to manipulate and interpret visual information.
These four types of puzzles represent broad categories, and many puzzles may overlap or combine elements from multiple categories. Puzzles provide a stimulating and entertaining way to
exercise your cognitive skills, enhance problem-solving abilities, and improve critical thinking. They offer a fun and challenging experience while promoting creativity, logic, and mental
agility. Engaging with puzzles can be an enjoyable pastime and an excellent way to sharpen your mind.
Improving your puzzle skills requires practice, patience, and a systematic approach. Here are some tips to help you enhance your puzzle-solving abilities:
1. Start with Beginner-level Puzzles: Begin with puzzles that are appropriate for your skill level. Start with easier puzzles and gradually progress to more challenging ones as you build
confidence and improve your problem-solving techniques.
2. Understand Different Puzzle Types: Familiarize yourself with different types of puzzles, such as logical puzzles, mathematical puzzles, word puzzles, and visual puzzles. Understand the
rules and mechanics of each type, as they may require different approaches and strategies.
3. Develop Problem-Solving Strategies: Build a repertoire of problem-solving strategies that can be applied to various puzzle types. These may include techniques like trial and error,
elimination, making educated guesses, looking for patterns, breaking the problem into smaller parts, or working backwards from the solution.
4. Observe and Analyze: Develop strong observation skills. Pay attention to details, patterns, and clues within the puzzle. Analyze the given information or puzzle elements to identify
potential connections or solutions.
5. Practice Regularly: Dedicate regular time to solving puzzles. Consistent practice allows you to improve your puzzle-solving skills, enhance your logical thinking, and develop
problem-solving intuition. Start with shorter sessions and gradually increase the duration as you become more comfortable.
6. Seek Variety: Engage with puzzles of different types and difficulty levels. This helps broaden your problem-solving abilities and exposes you to a range of puzzle-solving techniques.
Variety challenges your mind and keeps the experience fresh and engaging.
7. Learn from Solutions: When you encounter challenging puzzles, don't hesitate to seek solutions or guidance. Study the solutions to understand the underlying strategies and reasoning.
This allows you to learn new problem-solving techniques that you can apply in similar situations.
8. Work Collaboratively: Solve puzzles with others or join puzzle-solving communities. Collaborating with others can provide different perspectives, insights, and alternative approaches.
Discussing puzzles with others can also be an enjoyable way to learn new techniques and expand your puzzle-solving repertoire.
9. Stay Persistent and Patient: Puzzles can be challenging, and not all of them will be solved quickly. Stay persistent, maintain a positive mindset, and be patient with yourself. Accept
that some puzzles may require time and effort to crack, and enjoy the process of problem-solving.
10. Embrace Learning: Approach puzzles with a learning mindset. Embrace the opportunity to develop new skills, improve your cognitive abilities, and challenge yourself. See each puzzle as
an opportunity to grow and learn, regardless of whether you solve it or not.
Remember, improving puzzle skills takes time and practice. Be patient, enjoy the journey, and celebrate your progress along the way. With consistent effort, you'll develop better
problem-solving techniques, become more adept at spotting patterns, and sharpen your overall puzzle-solving abilities.
Solving puzzle questions requires a systematic approach and a combination of logical thinking, observation, and creative problem-solving skills. Here's a step-by-step
guide to help you solve puzzle questions effectively:
1. Read and Understand the Puzzle: Carefully read the puzzle question to ensure you understand the problem statement, constraints, and any given clues. Pay attention to specific
instructions, requirements, or patterns that may be mentioned.
2. Analyze the Information: Break down the puzzle question and analyze the information provided. Identify the key elements, variables, or entities involved in the puzzle. Make note of any
given relationships, conditions, or dependencies among the puzzle elements.
3. Visualize or Draw the Problem: If the puzzle involves a visual or spatial component, consider sketching or visualizing the problem. Drawing diagrams, charts, or grids can help you
visualize the puzzle elements and their relationships.
4. Identify Patterns and Clues: Look for patterns, repeated elements, or clues within the puzzle question. Identify any logical or mathematical relationships, sequences, or dependencies
that may be implied. Consider the given information and its potential implications.
5. Make Assumptions and Eliminate Possibilities: If the puzzle contains ambiguous or incomplete information, make reasonable assumptions to fill in the gaps. Use the process of elimination
to narrow down possibilities or eliminate options that are inconsistent with the given clues.
6. Apply Logical Reasoning: Use deductive and inductive reasoning to draw conclusions from the available information. Look for cause-and-effect relationships, logical sequences, or
dependencies that can help you solve the puzzle. Make logical deductions based on the given information and the patterns you have identified.
7. Trial and Error: If appropriate, use a trial and error approach by testing different possibilities or combinations. Keep track of your attempts and their outcomes to eliminate incorrect
options and focus on potential solutions.
8. Work Backwards: In some cases, it may be helpful to work backwards from the desired outcome or solution. Start with the end goal and consider the steps or conditions required to reach
that goal. This approach can help you identify the necessary actions or patterns to solve the puzzle.
9. Be Creative and Think Outside the Box: Puzzle questions often require thinking beyond conventional approaches. Challenge assumptions, explore alternative perspectives, and consider
unconventional solutions. Don't hesitate to try different strategies or approaches that may seem unusual or counterintuitive.
10. Iterate and Refine: If your initial solution approach doesn't work, don't get discouraged. Iterate, refine, and adapt your strategy. Revisit the puzzle question, review the information,
and consider different angles or interpretations. Sometimes, a fresh perspective can lead to a breakthrough.
11. Verify and Validate: Once you arrive at a potential solution, verify its correctness. Double-check if the solution satisfies all the given conditions and clues. Ensure that your
solution is consistent with the problem statement and meets all the requirements.
12. Practice, Learn, and Improve: Solving puzzle questions is a skill that can be developed with practice. Engage in regular puzzle-solving activities, expose yourself to various types
of puzzles, and learn from your experiences. Reflect on your approaches, learn new techniques, and continually challenge yourself to improve.
Remember, solving puzzle questions is a process that requires patience, critical thinking, and creativity. Practice regularly, embrace the challenge, and enjoy the satisfaction of
unraveling complex puzzles.
Solving puzzle questions offers numerous benefits that contribute to personal growth, cognitive development, and overall well-being. Here are some key benefits of
engaging in puzzle-solving activities:
1. Mental Stimulation: Puzzles provide mental exercise, challenging your brain and stimulating cognitive functions such as problem-solving, critical thinking, logical reasoning, and
creative thinking. Regular puzzle-solving can improve your mental agility, enhance memory, and sharpen your cognitive skills.
2. Problem-Solving Skills: Puzzles require you to analyze complex problems, break them down into manageable parts, and devise effective strategies to find solutions. By solving puzzles,
you develop essential problem-solving skills, including pattern recognition, deductive reasoning, and the ability to think systematically.
3. Creativity and Out-of-the-Box Thinking: Puzzles often demand creative thinking and the ability to approach problems from different angles. They encourage you to think outside the box,
explore unconventional solutions, and foster creative problem-solving abilities. Puzzle-solving nurtures innovative thinking and enhances your ability to generate unique ideas.
4. Patience and Perseverance: Puzzles can be challenging and require patience, persistence, and determination. Engaging with puzzles teaches you the value of patience and helps develop
your ability to tackle complex problems without giving up. As you overcome obstacles and reach solutions, you build resilience and perseverance.
5. Focus and Concentration: Solving puzzles demands focused attention and concentration. It improves your ability to stay engaged with a task for an extended period, enhancing your
concentration skills and attention span. Regular puzzle-solving can contribute to improved productivity and better concentration in various areas of life.
6. Stress Relief: Engaging in puzzle-solving activities can be a calming and stress-relieving experience. Focusing on a puzzle diverts your mind from everyday concerns, allowing you to
enter a state of flow and achieve a sense of relaxation. Puzzle-solving serves as a mindful activity, promoting stress reduction and providing a break from daily pressures.
7. Boost in Confidence and Self-Esteem: Successfully solving puzzles boosts your confidence and self-esteem. The sense of accomplishment derived from cracking a challenging puzzle or
overcoming obstacles enhances your self-belief and motivates you to take on further challenges in other aspects of life.
8. Social Interaction and Collaboration: Puzzles can be enjoyed as a solo activity, but they also provide opportunities for social interaction and collaboration. Solving puzzles with
friends, family, or colleagues fosters teamwork, communication, and camaraderie. It encourages sharing ideas, discussing different perspectives, and collectively working towards a solution.
9. Lifelong Learning: Puzzles expose you to new concepts, ideas, and problem-solving techniques. They provide an avenue for continuous learning, expanding your knowledge in various domains.
Puzzles can cover a wide range of topics, from history and science to mathematics and language, enabling you to acquire knowledge while having fun.
10. Entertainment and Enjoyment: Puzzle-solving is a form of entertainment that offers enjoyment and amusement. Engaging with puzzles can be a pleasurable way to spend leisure time,
providing mental stimulation and a sense of accomplishment. Solving puzzles can bring joy, satisfaction, and a sense of fulfillment.
Overall, solving puzzle questions offers a multitude of benefits for personal growth, cognitive development, and well-being. It improves mental skills, enhances problem-solving abilities,
fosters creativity, and provides a source of entertainment. Engaging with puzzles regularly can have a positive impact on various aspects of life, from academic performance to
professional success and overall mental well-being.
Yes, engaging in puzzles is indeed good for your brain. Solving puzzles provides mental exercise and stimulation, which can have several positive effects on brain
health and cognitive function. Here are some ways in which puzzles benefit your brain:
1. Cognitive Skills Enhancement: Puzzles challenge your brain, requiring you to use various cognitive skills such as problem-solving, critical thinking, logic, memory, attention to detail,
and spatial reasoning. Regularly engaging in puzzles helps exercise and sharpen these cognitive abilities, improving your overall mental acuity.
2. Memory Improvement: Puzzles often require you to remember and recall information, patterns, or sequences. By exercising your memory during puzzle-solving, you can enhance your
short-term and long-term memory capabilities. This can have a positive impact on daily life, including remembering names, appointments, and important details.
3. Problem-Solving Skills Development: Puzzles present you with problems that need to be solved using logical reasoning and deduction. As you tackle different types of puzzles, you develop
effective problem-solving strategies, learn to approach challenges from different angles, and enhance your ability to think critically and analytically.
4. Focus and Concentration Enhancement: Solving puzzles demands focused attention and concentration. By engaging in puzzle-solving activities, you practice maintaining sustained attention
on a specific task. This can improve your ability to concentrate and stay focused in other areas of life, such as work or studying.
5. Stress Reduction: Engaging in puzzle-solving can act as a form of relaxation and stress relief. The focused nature of puzzle-solving diverts your mind from daily worries and concerns,
providing a break from stressors. The sense of accomplishment and satisfaction that comes from solving puzzles can promote feelings of relaxation and well-being.
6. Creativity Boost: Puzzles often require thinking outside the box and finding unconventional solutions. This fosters creative thinking and encourages you to approach problems from
different perspectives. Regular puzzle-solving exercises your creativity and helps you develop innovative approaches to problem-solving.
7. Neuroplasticity and Brain Health: Solving puzzles stimulates neuroplasticity, which refers to the brain's ability to form new connections and reorganize itself. By engaging in cognitive
activities like puzzle-solving, you promote the growth and development of new neural pathways, which can improve overall brain health and cognitive function.
8. Mental Engagement and Lifelong Learning: Puzzles provide mental stimulation and encourage a continuous learning mindset. Engaging with puzzles exposes you to new concepts, ideas, and
challenges, expanding your knowledge and fostering intellectual curiosity. This ongoing mental engagement promotes lifelong learning and intellectual growth.
9. Social Interaction: Some puzzles can be enjoyed in a social setting, encouraging interaction and collaboration with others. Solving puzzles with friends, family, or colleagues can
promote social engagement, teamwork, and communication skills, enhancing overall brain health and well-being.
Overall, puzzles offer a wide range of cognitive benefits and contribute to brain health. Regularly engaging in puzzle-solving activities exercises your mental faculties, improves
cognitive skills, enhances problem-solving abilities, and provides mental stimulation. So, incorporating puzzles into your routine is a great way to keep your brain active, sharp, and
healthy.
When answering a puzzle question in an interview, it's important to approach the question strategically and demonstrate your problem-solving abilities. Here's a
step-by-step guide on how to answer a puzzle question in an interview:
1. Listen Carefully and Understand the Question: Pay close attention to the puzzle question being asked. Make sure you fully understand the problem statement, any given constraints or
rules, and the desired outcome. Take a moment to clarify any doubts or seek clarification if needed.
2. Analyze the Puzzle: Take a systematic approach to analyze the puzzle. Break it down into smaller components or identify any patterns, dependencies, or relationships within the puzzle
elements. Understand the key factors and variables involved.
3. Repeat or Recap the Question: To ensure you have a clear understanding of the puzzle, repeat or recap the question before starting your answer. This demonstrates active listening and
ensures you address the question accurately.
4. Think Aloud: As you work through the puzzle, vocalize your thought process. Explain the reasoning behind your decisions, discuss possible approaches, and consider different strategies
out loud. This allows the interviewer to understand your problem-solving approach and assess your analytical skills.
5. Ask Clarifying Questions (if necessary): If the puzzle question is ambiguous or lacks clarity, don't hesitate to ask the interviewer for additional information or further explanation.
Seeking clarification shows your attention to detail and your desire to fully understand the puzzle.
6. Break Down the Problem: Break the puzzle down into manageable parts or subproblems. Identify any logical steps or deductions that can be made based on the given information. Focus on
the most relevant aspects of the puzzle that will lead you closer to the solution.
7. Use Logical Reasoning: Apply logical reasoning and critical thinking skills to solve the puzzle. Make educated guesses, consider different possibilities, and analyze the potential
outcomes of each decision. Use deductive and inductive reasoning to draw logical conclusions.
8. Discuss Different Strategies: Explore different problem-solving strategies and explain their potential effectiveness. Discuss the pros and cons of each approach and demonstrate your
ability to think flexibly and adapt your strategy as needed.
9. Test Hypotheses and Make Assumptions: If the puzzle lacks certain information, make reasonable assumptions and test different hypotheses. Clearly state your assumptions and explain the
logic behind them. Use trial and error or elimination to test and refine your hypotheses.
10. Be Organized and Methodical: Stay organized and systematic in your approach. Use visual aids, such as diagrams or charts, if they can help you better understand or solve the puzzle.
Show your ability to structure your thinking and maintain a clear line of reasoning.
11. Communicate Effectively: Clearly articulate your thought process, explanations, and solutions. Use concise and structured language to convey your ideas. Pay attention to your
communication style, ensuring that you present your ideas in a logical and coherent manner.
12. Validate and Verify: Once you arrive at a potential solution or answer, validate it against the given information and any constraints. Double-check your work to ensure accuracy. If
time permits, consider testing your solution with additional test cases or examples.
13. Conclude and Summarize: Conclude your answer by summarizing your solution and reiterating the key steps or deductions you made. Provide a clear explanation of how you arrived at your
solution and showcase your problem-solving skills.
14. Be Open to Feedback: Be open to receiving feedback or alternative solutions from the interviewer. Accept constructive criticism gracefully and be willing to discuss different
perspectives or approaches. This demonstrates your ability to collaborate, learn, and adapt.
Remember, the process of answering a puzzle question in an interview is as important as arriving at the correct solution. Showcase your problem-solving abilities, logical reasoning skills,
and clear communication throughout your answer. Be confident, stay composed, and demonstrate your analytical
Logicmojo - Updated Dec 12, 2023
