Mikhail, a great mathematics teacher, used to always give hard and complex sequences to his sons. After much thought, the brilliant mathematician thought that his sequences were a little too hard. So, he made another one that was easier. He showed it to his sons later that day:

6, 10, 4, 9, 6, 11

Then he asked what would be the next number in this sequence. Because there were many possibilities, the sons were stumped. So, Mikhail said, "This sequence cannot continue once you have the next number." After hearing this, the sons figured out the answer. What was the last number?

Continents:

Africa = 6
Antarctica = 10
Asia = 4
Australia = 9
Europe = 6
No. America = 11
So. America = 11

Those last two are a bit of a stretch, but the others all fit nicely (and alphabetically).

Posted by Erik O. on 2004-06-14 10:54:36