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