NIMCET 2017
Three thieves rob a bakery of bread, one after the other. Each thief takes half of what is present and half a bread. If 3 breads remain at the end, what is the number of breads that were present initially?
Answer (Detailed Solution Below)View answer ▾Hide ▴
Answer: Option B — 31
Detailed Solution
If a thief finds x breads, he takes and leaves ; so if y are left, there were before him.
Work back from 3: , , .
✓ Check
Forward: 31 − 16 = 15, 15 − 8 = 7, 7 − 4 = 3.⚠ Common trap
(A) 24 doubles three times ( ) and forgets the extra half bread each time.Quick tip
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Numerical Puzzles — Preparation
This question tests your understanding of Numerical Puzzles, a key topic in the Logical Reasoning section. The detailed solution above uses a step-by-step approach to show the reasoning, and where available, a shortcut that helps you solve similar questions in under 90 seconds during the actual exam.
Numerical puzzles give a set of numbers arranged in a grid, triangle, circle or other figure, with one number missing. You need to find the rule that links the numbers and use it to find the missing value. This topic also covers puzzles where operations or symbols need to be filled in to make an equation correct. Common rules include the sum or product of numbers in a row, column or around a figure; the difference between pairs; squares and cubes; and combinations such as (a x b) - c. Test the rule you find on every complete row or figure before applying it. If the first idea doesn't fit everywhere, try rows instead of columns or diagonals instead of rows. Practise the numerical puzzles below, each with a step-by-step solution explaining the rule.