The following puzzle, known as the Smith-Jones-Robinson classic,
is a lively test of reasoning power. It is reported that,
in one group of 240 people trying it, only six came up with the
solution. But there is no "catch" in it, and the answer
has
been worked out by many persons in five to ten minutes.
Every fact is important, and must be considered. |
On a train, Smith, Robinson and Jones are the fireman,
brakeman
and engineer, but NOT respectively.
Also aboard are three
businessmen who have the same names:
a Mr. Smith, a Mr. Robinson and a Mr. Jones.
1. Mr. Robinson lives in Detroit.
2. The brakeman lives exactly halfway between Chicago and Detroit.
3. Mr. Jones earns exactly $20,000 per year.
4. The brakeman's nearest neighbor, one of the passengers,
earns exactly three times as much as the brakeman.
5. Smith beats the fireman at billiards.
6. The passenger whose name is the same as the brakeman's
lives in Chicago.
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