Riddles, one at a time
Climbing Robot
A robot climbs a 10 m wall. Each day it climbs 3 m; each night it slips back 2 m. On which day does it reach the top?
On the last day it does not slip back.
Day 8
After night 7 it is at 7 m; day 8 takes it to 10 m.
Old Phone Keys: Same as BOOK
Which of the four words types the same number as BOOK?
Type BOOK first, then compare each option key by key.
COOK
B and C share key 2, so BOOK and COOK both type 2665.
Longest Roman Numeral
Which number from 1 to 99 has the longest Roman numeral, written the usual way?
Which digits need the most letters on their own?
88
88 = LXXXVIII, 8 letters. No other number below 100 has 8.
How Many Routes: Pass the Lantern
Moving only right or up, how many routes from start to the gem pass the lantern?
Count the ways to the lantern, then the ways from it to the gem, and multiply.
36
6 ways to the lantern, then 6 ways on: 6 × 6 = 36.
Fewest Tokens: Pay 18
Which tokens pay 18 with the fewest tokens?
Biggest first is not always fewest. Try every pair.
9 + 9
Just 2 tokens. Biggest first, 16 + 1 + 1, needs 3.
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