We pick two numbers a and b, so that a>=b and both numbers are within the range [2,99]. We give Mr.P the product a*b and give Mr.S the sum
a+b.
a+b.
The following dialog takes place:
Mr.P: I don’t know the numbers
Mr.S: I knew you didn’t know. I don’t know either.
Mr.P: Now I know the numbers
Mr.S: Now I know them too
Can we find the numbers a and b?
I must admit … my feeble mind couldn’t comprehend that this puzzle even had solution when I first saw it. However, now I know that it does, and am still trying to work it out. If you are a bit impatient – Google around, you’ll find the answer.
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[...] thought I’d take a second look at the Mr. P and Mr. S problem, which I’d posted more than a couple of years ago. The last time I tried it, I wasn’t successful. I had a [...]