Topic: Are you a problem solver?

[Rik]

Below are four questions plus a bonus question to test your ability at problem-solving. But, you can't take your time -- you must use your head and common sense, and answer all questions IMMEDIATELY upon reading them; as if this were an emergency where good quick decision-making is critical.


Pencils down! Good luck!




Here we go...let's find out just how smart you really are....


First question: You are participating in a race. You overtake the second person. What position are you in?




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Answer: If you answered that you are first, then you're wrong! If you overtake the second person and you take his place, you are now second!


Try not to mess up again. Now answer the second question -- but, don't take as much time as you took for the first question. OK?


Second question: If you overtake the last person, then you are...?






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Answer: If you answered that you are second to last, then you are wrong again. How can you overtake the LAST person?


You're not very good at this, are you?


Third question: Some tricky arithmetic here and you MUST do this in your head! You cannot use paper and pencil, a calculator, count with your fingers, or draw in the sand. Ready? Take 1000 and add 40 to it. Now add another 1000. Now add 30. Add another 1000. Now add 20. Now add another 1000. Now add 10. What is the total?




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Did you get 5000? The correct answer is 4100. Go ahead. Check it with a calculator! Today is definitely not your day, is it?


There's still hope. Maybe you'll get the next question right...


Fourth question: Mary's father has five daughters: 1. Nana; 2. Nene; 3. Nini; 4. Nono. What is the name of the fifth daughter?




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Did you answer Nunu? Why? Her name is Mary. Please read the question again!


OK, we're down to the bonus round: A mute person goes into a shop and wants to buy a toothbrush. By imitating the action of brushing his teeth he successfully expresses himself to the shopkeeper and the purchase is done. Next, a blind man comes into the shop who wants to buy a pair of sunglasses; how does HE indicate what he wants?




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It's simple. He just opens his mouth and asks. Perhaps you might like your medication now. It will ease your suffering....   ;-)

[Simon]

1/4 for me, but that was because I'd seen them before.   

[Rik]

I can't think what you mean, Simon.

[GillE]

I'm pleased to say I got three out of the four plus the bonus question.  It was the maths question that tripped me up.

Gill

[Simon]

Oh, it was the maths one I got right!   

[mistybear]

Only 2 for me.