Each month, a new set of puzzles will be posted. Come back next month for the solutions and a new set of puzzles, or subscribe to have them sent directly to you.
Puzzle One
In the following numeric series: 4, 8, 7, 5, 1, ?, ?, ?; what would be the next three terms (6th, 7th, and 8th ) in the series?
Puzzle Two
A bag contains 1 dollar, 50 cents and 25 cents coins in the ratio 3 : 5 : 7. The total amount is $1,856. How do you find the number of each denomination?
Puzzle Three
Replace each letter with a number (i.e. 1 to 9) to make the following equations true.
- a) CHECK + THE = TIRES, (Given: E = 4)
- b) NO + NOT + THAT = AGAIN
Puzzle Four
In these puzzles, each row, column and diagonal is an equation. Use the numbers 1 to 9 to complete the equations and each number can be used only once. ‘One’ number has been provided to get you started. Find the remaining eight numbers that satisfies all the resulting equations. Note: As in normal algebraic operation, multiplication (x) and division (/) are performed before addition (+) and subtraction (-).
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Last month's solutions
Puzzle One
Ronald, Tony, Fiona, Paula and John have their birthdays on consecutive days, all between Monday and Friday.
- Tony’s birthday is as many days before Paula’s as Fiona’s is after Ronald’s.
- John is older than Fiona.
- Paula’s birthday is on Thursday.
Can you figure out whose birthday is on each day?
Solution:
Monday – John, Tuesday – Tony, Wednesday – Ronald, Thursday – Paula, Friday – Fiona
Puzzle Two
Four playing cards, one of each suit (spades, clubs, hearts, & diamonds) face down on a table. They are a three, a four, a five, and a six.
- The cards on either side of the four are black.
- The club is to the right of the three but not next to it.
- The spade is to the left of the heart.
- The middle two cards add up to an even number. Neither of them is a club.
Can you determine the cards’ suits and their order?
Solution:
From left to right: 3 of diamonds, 6 of spades, 4 of hearts, and 5 of clubs.
Puzzle Three
You’ve been invited to a party at Charlie’s house, but you’ve never been there. He has seven friends who live nearby. They’ve given you the following map showing all of their houses including Charlie’s house, along with the following information:
- Daniel: I can’t see Benita’s house, because Greta’s house is in the way.
- Adam: I live directly (not diagonally) across the street from Daniel.
- Benita: Elena lives due west of me.
- Elena: I have to cross three streets to walk to Franco’s house.
- Hal: I live east of Benita.
Can you figure out who lives where, and also which house is Charlie’s?
Solution:
On the the map, the friends / neighbours live in the following houses with respect to Charlie’s house:
A – Elena, B – Benita, C – Hal, D – Greta, E – Charlie, F – Daniel, G – Adam, H – Franco