The Book Riddle: How Many Pages Did The Boy Tear Out?

This classic riddle has puzzled many, but its solution is surprisingly straightforward once you understand the logic behind it. Here's the riddle:

A boy tears out pages from a book. He tears out pages 7, 8, and 9. How many pages did he tear out?

The answer is 3. This seems obvious, but many people initially answer 2, assuming the boy only tore out two pages, 8 and 9.

The Trick Behind the Riddle

The riddle plays on our natural tendency to assume patterns and jump to conclusions. We see the numbers 7, 8, and 9 and immediately think of a sequence, leading us to believe the boy tore out the pages in between. However, the wording of the riddle is crucial. It specifically states that he tore out pages 7, 8, and 9, implying he tore out three individual pages.

Understanding Page Numbering

The riddle highlights the importance of understanding how pages are numbered in a book. Each page has a unique number, even if it's part of a spread (two facing pages). This means each page is counted individually, not as part of a group.

System 1 vs. System 2 Thinking

This riddle also demonstrates the difference between System 1 and System 2 thinking. System 1 thinking is fast, automatic, and intuitive. It's what we use for quick judgments and decisions. System 2 thinking is slower, deliberate, and analytical. It requires conscious effort and is used for complex tasks.

In this riddle, our System 1 thinking leads us to assume a pattern and jump to the conclusion that the boy tore out two pages. However, using System 2 thinking, we can carefully analyze the wording and understand that he tore out three individual pages.

The Importance of Careful Reading

This riddle is a reminder of the importance of careful reading and critical thinking. It shows how our assumptions can lead us astray if we don't pay close attention to the details. When faced with a problem, it's essential to slow down, analyze the information, and avoid jumping to conclusions.

Next time you encounter a riddle, take your time, break it down, and use both System 1 and System 2 thinking to arrive at the correct answer. You might be surprised at how often your initial assumptions are wrong.