Analytical Puzzles
Hard
3 min
Four boxes A, B, C and D contain numbers 1, 2, 3 and 4, one number per box. A contains a number greater than B. C contains 1. D does not contain 4. What number must B contain?
Hint
C is already 1 and D cannot be 4.
Answer
B can be 2 or 3; the information does not uniquely determine B.
Explanation
The conditions permit multiple valid arrangements. For example B=2, A=3, C=1, D=4 violates D≠4, so use B=2, A=4, C=1, D=3. Another valid arrangement is B=3, A=4, C=1, D=2. Therefore B is not uniquely determined.
Step-by-Step Solution
Valid arrangement 1: A=4, B=2, C=1, D=3.
Valid arrangement 2: A=4, B=3, C=1, D=2.
Therefore B can be 2 or 3.
Valid arrangement 2: A=4, B=3, C=1, D=2.
Therefore B can be 2 or 3.