It’s nearly holiday time.

For those of us who have pets, a chance to spend more time with them along with our families.

Here’s a puzzle to ponder over whilst you all enjoy your well earned break.

Two cats and two dogs need to cross the backyard.

Each turn a cat or dog may either move one space forward or make one jump.

A cat can jump over a dog or a dog over a cat, but

A cat will not jump over another cat nor a dog over another dog.

How many moves will it take for the dogs and cats to cross to the opposite side of the yard?

How did you go, here’s the next challenge…

Three cats and three dogs need to cross the backyard.

As before, each turn a cat or dog may either move one space forward or make one jump.

A cat can jump over a dog or a dog over a cat, but

A cat will not jump over another cat nor a dog over another dog.

How many moves will it take for the dogs and cats to cross to the opposite side of the yard?

And finally…

Two cats and four dogs need to cross the yard.

How many moves will it take for the dogs and cats to cross to change places?

Enjoy,

Stephanie van der Schans, AST/Numeracy.