Solve the Brain Teaser: 40 Heads, 100 Legs - How Many Kids and Dogs?

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In summary: The half a dog.In summary, there are multiple possible answers to the question of how many kids and dogs are at the park, assuming the teacher only counts the legs and heads of kids and dogs and there are no trick animals involved. One answer is 30 kids and 10 dogs, while another is 29 kids, 10 dogs, and 1 teacher. However, the question is poorly worded and there could be other factors at play, such as a table or other object with a head and legs in the park. Ultimately, there is no clear answer to this question.
  • #1
GraphicSpaz
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A teacher is sitting at a park and counts all the kids and all the dogs. She comes to a total of 40 head and 100 legs. How many kids and dogs are there?

There is more than one answer. the first one is 30 kids and 10 dogs.

Find ONE more answer!

There is no trick animal (ie: a three legged dog or two headed kid.).

---------

Can anyone figure this out? I can't. please let me know the answer.
 
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  • #2
This just leads to two equations and two unknowns. So mathematically speaking there is one unique solution.
Please let us know if you find otherwise.
 
  • #3
Are there any goats?
 
  • #4
mathematically speaking , another answer is not possible , may be some trick is involved
 
  • #5
I will.. I know there is some kind of trick to it... its racking my brain trying to think of it!
 
  • #6
2k+4d=100
k+d=40

One answer. This must be a trick question then. Let's see, no trick animals allowed, so it must be a trick to how or what she's counting.
 
  • #7
My solution:
40 kids, 10 of which are puppies
EOM
 
  • #8
GraphicSpaz said:
A teacher is sitting at a park and counts all the kids and all the dogs. She comes to a total of 40 head and 100 legs. How many kids and dogs are there?

There is more than one answer. the first one is 30 kids and 10 dogs.

Find ONE more answer!

There is no trick animal (ie: a three legged dog or two headed kid.).

---------

Can anyone figure this out? I can't. please let me know the answer.
Is this the problem EXACTLY as given to you?
 
  • #9
GraphicSpaz said:
A teacher is sitting at a park and counts all the kids and all the dogs. She comes to a total of 40 head and 100 legs. How many kids and dogs are there?

The answer is indeed a trick, assuming that:
1) All "kids" she counts have 2 legs and 1 head
2) All "dogs" she counts have 4 legs and 1 head
3) She is not including anything else in her count (IE, only the legs and heads of kids and dogs in the park, and not, say, her own legs and head)
4) Her count is accurate
5) "Kids" and "dogs" are constant throughout the problem
6) Numbers provided are in base 10

The question is also poorly worded. She is not, in fact, counting "all the kids and all the dogs". She is actually counting all the kids' legs, kids' heads, dogs' legs, and dogs' heads. The fact that she counts "40 head" is assumably just a typo (should be "40 heads", but that's easily forgiveable), and if you're REALLY being persnickity, it should specify that the teacher counts all the heads and legs "in the park", and should ask how many kids and dogs are "in the park", rather than just how many there are.

My guess is the answer they're looking for is 29 kids and 10 dogs, but she counts her *own* legs and head.

DaveE
 
  • #10
maybe dogs mean ugly kids?
 
  • #11
davee123 said:
The fact that she counts "40 head" is assumably just a typo
I wondered about this too. I tested a scenario based on the premise there were 40 'head of cattle' in the park, but I didn't get sensible results.
 
  • #12
What's red and has got two legs?
 
  • #13
You know, nowhere does it say she counted ONLY kids and dogs. Maybe there was a table. Or better yet, something common in a park (that is not an animal) but has both a head and a number of legs...
 
  • #14
I suppose we could be overlooking the obvious:

There are 10 dogs, 29 kids, 1 teacher.

40 heads, 100 legs.
 
  • #15
No-one wants to know the answer :(

J77 said:
What's red and has got two legs?
Half a dog! :biggrin:
 
  • #16
J77 said:
Half a dog! :biggrin:

Lol. Its funnier the way I first heard it.

What has two legs and bleeds?
 

FAQ: Solve the Brain Teaser: 40 Heads, 100 Legs - How Many Kids and Dogs?

What is a brain teaser problem?

A brain teaser problem is a type of puzzle or riddle that requires critical thinking and problem-solving skills to solve. These problems often involve logic, math, or visual patterns and can be challenging and fun to solve.

How can brain teasers help improve cognitive abilities?

Brain teasers can help improve cognitive abilities by exercising the brain and promoting the development of new neural connections. They can also help improve problem-solving skills, memory, and concentration.

Are there different types of brain teasers?

Yes, there are many different types of brain teasers, including logic puzzles, math problems, riddles, and visual puzzles. Each type requires a different approach and can challenge different areas of the brain.

How can I get better at solving brain teasers?

Practice is key to getting better at solving brain teasers. You can also try breaking the problem into smaller parts, using different problem-solving strategies, and collaborating with others to solve the brain teaser.

Can solving brain teasers have any real-life benefits?

Yes, solving brain teasers can have real-life benefits. It can improve critical thinking skills, which can be useful in decision-making and problem-solving in everyday life. It can also be a fun and challenging way to exercise the brain and keep the mind sharp.

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