Riddles, one at a time
What Am I? Roads Without Cars
Which object fits all three clues?
A globe shows roads and rivers too. Can it fold into a pocket?
Map
Its roads have no cars, its rivers have no water, and it folds into a pocket: A.
How Many Routes: 2 × 2 Grid
Moving only right or up, how many different routes lead from start to the gem?
Each corner's count is the count to its left plus the count below it.
6
Add the ways from the left and from below: 3 + 3 = 6.
Diamond Window
How many closed areas can you count?
Work outward: circle slices, then the diamond, then the corners.
16
8 corner pieces + 4 pieces round the circle + 4 slices inside it: 16.
Fewest Tokens: Pay 11
Which tokens pay 11 with the fewest tokens?
Biggest first is not always fewest. Try every pair.
5 + 6
Just 2 tokens. Biggest first, 9 + 1 + 1, needs 3.
One Piece Fits
Pieces may turn but never flip over. Which piece fills the hole?
PIECE C
Turn C a quarter turn: it drops right in.
How Many Routes: 3 × 2 Grid
Moving only right or up, how many different routes lead from start to the gem?
Each corner's count is the count to its left plus the count below it.
10
The two corners next to the gem can be reached in 6 and 4 ways: 6 + 4 = 10.