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ParadoxArrange the statements in the rectangles without creating a paradox. |
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❎A paradox happens when a group of statements cannot be sorted into true and false without contradicting themselves. Whatever you decide, something goes wrong.
Here is a famous example. Look at these two statements together:
Neither choice works, so the two statements together make a paradox.
Suppose a rectangle contains these three statements:
One of the facts is true (7 + 5 = 12) and one is false. Now test the purple statement both ways:
It can be neither true nor false: a paradox! Swap 7 + 5 = 12 for another false fact and the purple statement becomes true without any problem. ✔
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❎Level 1 - Two rectangles, each holding three statements. The facts are additions and subtractions.
Level 2 - Three rectangles, each holding three statements. The facts are multiplications and divisions.
Level 3 - Four rectangles, each holding four statements. The facts are sums and products (the original puzzle).
Level 4 - Four rectangles, each holding four statements. The facts are GCSE-style statements about number, algebra and geometry.
More Paradoxes - This is the main Paradox Starter of the Day page and you can scroll down it to see some other very interesting paradoxes.
Ktesfai@dallasisd.org,
Sunday, September 30, 2012
"What is the answer to the paradox with the four yellow statements. I can't seem to get it right."
Transum,
Thursday, October 4, 2012
"An example set of answers (there are many different ways of doing this puzzle) are available above for those who have a Transum subscription. Teachers, tutors and parents can apply for a subscription here."