A recent brain teaser shared on X, claiming to be a Harvard University interview question, has captivated social media users, sparking a flurry of discussion and debate. The puzzle presents a seemingly simple scenario: “7 men have 7 wives. Each man and each wife have 7 children. Q: What’s the total number of people?”
The post, which claims that 95% of people couldn’t solve it, has gone viral, garnering significant attention with numerous likes, comments, and reshares. The simplicity of the question belies its tricky nature, leading to a range of responses and interpretations from users.
One user calculated: “7 men + 7 wives = 14. No. of children for each man & each wife = 7. No. of children for each man with the seven wives = 49 (7×7). Overall no. of children = 343 (49×7). Total no. is 14+343 = 357.”
Another user offered a different perspective, stating: “So my guess: 7 men and 7 wives means 7 couples. So each couple had 7 children so 7 * 7 = 49, and the total number of people are: 49 children + 7 men + 7 women = 63.”
The ambiguity of the wording, particularly regarding the relationship between the men and wives, lies at the heart of the puzzle. The answer, ultimately, depends on how you interpret the question.
Do the men each have one wife, or are they sharing wives? This interpretation can dramatically alter the final count. If you assume each man has one wife, the answer is indeed 63 people. However, if you interpret it as each man having 7 wives, the answer becomes 399 people.
This viral brain teaser highlights the importance of clear and precise wording in mathematical problems, demonstrating how ambiguity can lead to multiple valid solutions. The puzzle serves as a fascinating topic for discussion and debate, encouraging users to engage in critical thinking and problem-solving. So, what’s your take on this brain teaser? Dive into the comments and share your solution!
