A puzzle
appropriately enough, via The art of problem solving:
The two great Russian mathemeticians, Lara Antipova and Pasha Gordon, are taking a train ride through the Urals.
“I remember you have three sons. How old are they now?” Lara says, to make idle conversation.
“The product of their ages is thirty-six. The sum of their ages is exactly todays date,” replies Pasha, in hopes of making idle conversation difficult.
Lara thinks for a bit, and says, “I’m sorry, but that’s not enough information for me to know their ages.”
“Ah, you’re right. Well, my youngest son has red hair.”
“Oh ok, I know how old your sons are now.”
How does Lara know? And more importantly, what are Pasha’s son’s ages?
I hate problems like these.
Possibly relevant posts:
- Incoherent ramblings (12/29/2001)
- Finding a barbershop (4/2/2007)
- Islam and pubes (5/20/2007)