Logic Puzzles By: Abi Dean and Jenny Miller

Hate Math? Here’s why… Evidence shows that people emit similar brain waves when doing math as when they are experiencing physical pain. So, how is it possible that we get our brains to willingly do math?

By strengthening it! One way to strengthen your brain is to do logic puzzles.

Different Puzzles *Classic Logic Problems These are the easiest of the three types, and can be thought of as building blocks to some of the more difficult exercises. Simple math and logical deduction are used to solve these. *Visual Logic Puzzles Some of these require traditional logic, while others require "lateral thinking" (thinking outside the box.) *Lateral Thinking Puzzles These require the most abstract thought, and can be really complex. Rather than making assumptions to decipher explanations, think abstractly to discover the real solutions!

Classic Logic Problems Suppose there are twin brothers; one which always tells the truth and one which always lies. What single yes/no question could you ask to either brother to figure out which one is which? Suppose there are twin brothers; one which always tells the truth and one which always lies. What single yes/no question could you ask to either brother to figure out which one is which?

The key… Find a question that the two brothers would answer differently, and that difference would therefore identify the two from each other. The lying brother would answer the above question "yes." The truthful brother would answer the same question "no."

And the answer is… Would your brother say that you tell the truth? Would your brother say that you tell the truth?

Visual Logic Puzzles Using six continuous straight lines, connect all of the sixteen circles shown

And the answer is…

Lateral Thinking Frank leaves home. When he tries to return, a man wearing a mask blocks his path. 1.) What is Frank doing? 2.) What is the masked man's occupation? 3.) Where is Frank's "safe place?" Frank leaves home. When he tries to return, a man wearing a mask blocks his path. 1.) What is Frank doing? 2.) What is the masked man's occupation? 3.) Where is Frank's "safe place?"

To help you out with this one… Question: Does Frank enjoy the experience? Question: Does Frank enjoy the experience? Question: Does this happen to Frank frequently? Question: Does this happen to Frank frequently? YES TO BOTH! YES TO BOTH!

And the answer is… Frank is: playing baseball The masked man is: a Catcher Franks safe place is: 3rd Base

So what’s the point? OK, so we know there are a bunch of different kinds of puzzles. But what does this really have to do with math? Well…

Intellectual Stimulation Our brain is like a muscle- the more you exercise it, the stronger it gets. Logic puzzles provide a “mental workout.”

Ability to Learn The GRE is a test that people take in order to be admitted to graduate school. It shows your capacity to learn. One section deals with logic puzzles- and is often considered to be the hardest. This shows a direct link between ability to do logic puzzles and ability to learn.

The point is… When you have a strong brain, combined with the ability to learn, math will become easier to understand and to do.

The End!