Brain Teasers
The Midgets of Helevater River
During its long and colourful history, there have been many battles fought in and around Madadia. One such legendary battle was known as the "Midgets of Helevater River". The battle itself did not contain any midgets and was fought several miles from Helevater River, but it was named in honour of two midgets that helped transport the Madadian army across the afore mentioned river.
One officer and 357 weary Madadian soldiers needed to cross the river before engaging in battle. The only method of crossing the river was a small boat owned by two midgets that lived near the river. Unfortunately, it was a midget sized boat that could either hold two midgets or one full-sized person at any given time.
How many trips would it take to transport every single soldier across the river and still leave the two midgets in joint possession of their boat?
One officer and 357 weary Madadian soldiers needed to cross the river before engaging in battle. The only method of crossing the river was a small boat owned by two midgets that lived near the river. Unfortunately, it was a midget sized boat that could either hold two midgets or one full-sized person at any given time.
How many trips would it take to transport every single soldier across the river and still leave the two midgets in joint possession of their boat?
Answer
At least 1432 trips required.The two midgets row to the opposite shore.
One gets out and the other brings the boat back. One soldier rows across; the soldier gets out, and the midget returns with the boat.
Thus, it takes 4 trips to get one soldier across and the boat brought back.
Hence it takes 4 x 358 = 1432 trips, to get the officer and his 357 soldiers across the river and the midgets left in joint possession of their boat.
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