http://crux.baker.edu/cdavis09/roses.html#Links

In “Petals Around the Rose” there is always one correct answer. The problem is how we define the problem.

Look at the image below:

Now, my question is the following: How many petals are around the rose?

I can tell you that the answer is 6.

Are you puzzled? Let´s give it a second try: How many petals are around the rose?

The answer is 8.

I can also tell you that the answer is always an even number.

Haven´t you got it yet? Ok, we´ll make another attempt: How many petals are around the rose?

I can tell you that the answer can be 0. (to avoid any confusion- the penultimate die has four dots)

This is all I am allowed to tell.

In case you have figured out the solution to this mysterious game, please keep it sub rosa. Some people figure it out very soon, while some others get stuck for ages. My opinion is that the way in which you interpret the question in the beginning determines whether you see it or not. That´s another clue, but don´t tell anyone that I told you. The Fraternity of Petals Around the Rose could be merciless upon me… The site linked above won´t give you more clues, but it features a flash version of the game so that you can keep on trying in case you get stuck. Much worthwhile is also this story on how several brilliant minds, among them Bill Gates and Paul Allen, faced the question. Just remember, the solution is always before you -if you know how to see…

Related Article: Planet Perplex

Tags:puzzles

Don´t forget to visit the rest of the site, or suscribe to the RSS feed. You can follow any responses to this entry through its RSS feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.