What is the simple question that almost everyone gets wrong?
Introduction
There are certain questions out there that seem deceptively simple, yet thousands of people consistently get them wrong. Today, we are going to explore one such question that has stumped many individuals.
The Question
Here is the question:
If it takes 5 machines 5 minutes to make 5 widgets, how long would it take 100 machines to make 100 widgets?
Common Pitfall
Most people would naturally assume that it would take 100 machines 100 minutes to make 100 widgets – an intuitive answer that unfortunately leads to incorrect results!
The Correct Answer
The correct answer is actually quite different from what one may initially deduce. In fact, using the same logic as the initial setup, we can conclude that it would still take 5 minutes for the 100 machines to make 100 widgets.
Explanation
It may seem counterintuitive, but this puzzle is all about understanding the question’s inherent logic. If 5 machines can produce 5 widgets in 5 minutes, it means that each machine can produce 1 widget in 5 minutes, as each machine is equally efficient. Therefore, if 100 machines are working simultaneously, they would still be able to produce 100 widgets in 5 minutes.
Summary
So, the next time you come across a seemingly simplistic question, remember to think critically and not fall into the common pitfall of using intuitive but incorrect reasoning. In this case, the answer was right in front of us all along – it only takes 5 minutes for 100 machines to produce 100 widgets.
Conclusion
Challenges like this are a reminder to approach problems with an open mind, analyze the question carefully, and not be swayed by the initial simplicity of the puzzle. Let these riddles be a source of enjoyment and mental stimulation as we continue to push the boundaries of our cognitive abilities.
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