How Many People Went to the Movies: A Viral Puzzle Solved
How Many People Went to the Movies: A Viral Puzzle Solved
Have you ever come across a brain teaser that left you wondering, 'Did I really get that right?' The classic question, 'A couple who has 2 daughters went to the movies. Each daughter has 9 brothers. Each brother has four kids. In total, how many people went to the movies?' can be quite confusing. Let's break it down and understand the correct answer.
The Puzzle Explained
The problem statement describes a family dynamics and the number of people involved. Here's a step-by-step breakdown:
A couple (2 people). 2 daughters (2 people). Each daughter has 9 brothers, which are the same 9 brothers for both daughters (9 people). Each brother has 4 kids (9 brothers x 4 kids each 36 kids).The question specifically mentions, 'In total, how many people went to the movies?' The key here is focusing on the specific mention of who went to the movies, not their siblings or descendants.
The Correct Answer
The correct answer, as suggested by several responses, is 2: the couple. This is because the question clearly states, 'a couple who has 2 daughters went to the movies.' It pins down the focus to the couple, and doesn't mention anyone else explicitly going to the movies.
Additional Perspectives
Another perspective often discussed in forums and comments is the hypothetical scenario where the theater is closed due to a pandemic. In such a case, none went to the movies because all theaters were closed. This broader interpretation, however, isn't part of the original question's context.
Furthermore, while the question could hypothetically imply that the total number of people (including extended family) could be 86, the specific wording of the question focuses on those who went to the movies, which is clearly the couple.
Why the Question Matters
This question is a great example of how language and context are crucial in math and logic puzzles. It demonstrates that you must closely follow the information provided and not assume additional details. The couple who posted this puzzle likely intended to challenge the reader's ability to focus on specific information and avoid distractions.
So, when solving these types of questions, always read carefully and only include the information explicitly mentioned in the problem statement.
Conclusion
Whether you're a fan of these brain teasers or someone who enjoys unraveling complex problems, this puzzle highlights the importance of precise language in problem-solving. Remember, the correct answer is 2: the couple who went to the movies.