An exercise with precise rules, and at first glance... the impossible. In most cases, the only thing a riddle seeks is to force you to change your perspective, to analyze things differently. Repeating the same solution is always tempting, but a riddle is more than enough to prove that sometimes we are simply 'blind'. For example, consider this: Eight numbers, from which you must choose three to sum a total of 30. The problem is that with the available numbers, reaching the desired result is impossible, unless... something is slipping past us...
The Irresistible Pull of Riddles
We're all drawn to riddles, aren't we? A couple of days ago, I downloaded a copy of Samsara Room, developed by the folks at Rusty Lake. I went in without expecting much... and when I finished it, it was two in the morning, my brain was melted, and I couldn't help but send a couple of dollars in the developer's direction. The best-worst part? The game says there's a secret, and I still haven't found it.
The Riddle of the Impossible Sum
That is the power of riddles: They finish us off, but we always come back for more. Not even Einstein could resist them. We have captured rebels, divided pirate booty, flown on magic airplanes. And this time, we have eight numbers: 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, and 15. The exercise requires that we take three of those numbers (this is mandatory, we can't use two) to add up to 30... but it is impossible. Adding two odd numbers gives us an even, however, when a third odd comes into play, it becomes odd again. A hint before watching the video? Very well: Prioritize the 'riddle', not the mathematical.
The Solution
So... the first impression is quite solid. With those numbers, it's impossible to pick three and sum to 30. But here is where the detail emerges, the change of perspective: The numbers are presented as billiard balls... and in billiards, the 9 is not green. Anyone who has had the chance to play 9-ball knows that it is white with a yellow stripe. In fact, all balls from 9 onward follow the same pattern (white with a stripe).
In summary, our 9 is a 6 turned on its head. Knowing that, 6 + 11 + 13 = 30. For many, the first impression is what counts, but on certain occasions, it is completely wrong.
