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..."

14, 18, 20

I decided that since the hostess didn't mention anyone getting the question wrong last year, that the problem might have been easier to solve that year. Perhaps three prime numbers (13, 17, 19)? I assume that no two children are born in the same year.

Posted by Warren on 2005-03-08 07:12:37