The hostess, at her 20th wedding anniversary party, tells you that her youngest child likes her to pose this problem to guests, and she proceeds to explain: "I normally ask guests to determine the ages of my three children, given the sum and products of their ages. Since Smith gave an incorrect answer to the problem tonight and Jones gave an incorrect answer at the party two years ago, I'll let you off the hook."

Your response is "No need to tell me more, their ages are..."

(In reply to re(2): On second thought..... by Charlie)

Good thinking Charlie !!

That sure is a possibilty and  in that case the possible ages could be

3,3, and 8
5,6 and 16
6,12 and 16
8,8 and 18.

I would still say that question uses the word "youngest" if at all to suggest that youngest son has an age smaller than other two. Otherwise there was no need to use the word youngest.

Having said that your assertion holds true and 8,8, and 18 is as correct as 5,6 ans 16.

Posted by Sachin on 2005-03-05 20:49:20