Why this Simple Puzzle Will Stump You
A captivating exploration of the human mind and its decision-making processes
A bat and ball cost $1.10
The bat costs one dollar more than the ball.
How much does the ball cost?
A number surely came to mind.
✍️ Quick, write it down !
Got it right?
Are you sure?
Read on.
At first glance, the math problem seems fairly straightforward, not requiring too much thought.
⚾️ Was your answer that the ball cost 10 cents?
That was a great guess,
but also incorrect!
But don’t worry, many of us got it wrong too.
The puzzle breakdown
This puzzle offers a fascinating glimpse into the intricacies of the human mind and decision-making processes.
When you first hear about the problem,
your brain quickly jumps to the conclusion
that the ball costs $0.10.🎓
However, if the ball costs $0.10, the bat would cost $1.10,
making the total $1.20, not $1.10.
The correct answer is that the ball costs $0.05 ⚾️
and the bat costs $1.05, making the total $1.10.
What, really? Why?
🧠 Our brains are wired to take cognitive shortcuts.
These shortcuts help us make quick decisions without having to process every single detail.
However, they can also lead us astray.
In the case of the bat and ball puzzle, our brain takes the easy route, leading to an incorrect answer.
I got it wrong too.
😔 I’m still, to this day, not happy about it. Worst yet, I got fooled again recently by another puzzle that seemed simple to solve (but that’s for another time, I’m not over that one either).
Your Brain Has Two Systems
System 1 (fast, intuitive) and System 2 (slow, analytical)
Daniel Kahneman, a renowned psychologist and Nobel laureate, describes two systems of thinking in his book "Thinking, Fast and Slow."
❇️ System 1 is fast, intuitive, and emotional. It operates automatically and quickly, with little or no effort.
❇️ System 2 is slower, more deliberate, and more logical. The bat and ball puzzle often catches us because we rely on System 1, which jumps to conclusions without engaging the more analytical System 2.
Implications for Decision-Making
Understanding how our minds work can help us make better decisions in various aspects of life.
By recognizing when we're relying too heavily on intuition and taking a step back to engage in more deliberate thinking, we can avoid common pitfalls and make more informed choices.
Especially for high stake decisions…
❇️ Slow Down: Take a moment to think through your decisions, especially when they seem too easy.
❇️ Question Your Assumptions: Challenge the initial conclusions you draw and consider alternative possibilities.
❇️ Engage System 2 on purpose: Use logical reasoning and analytical thinking to verify your intuitive responses. Reflect on past decisions and identify patterns in your thinking that may have led to errors.
Conclusion
🦉 The bat and ball puzzle is a simple yet powerful reminder of the complexities of human cognition.
By understanding the mechanisms behind our decision-making processes, we can become more aware of our cognitive biases and improve our ability to navigate the challenges we face.
(I know an easy decision which you won’t require really much thought…
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About the Author:
Nick is passionate about enabling people and businesses to reach their full potential. He taps into over 25+ years of truly diverse leadership experience, challenging the status quo - to ultimately define a clear strategic path forward and propel success.
Thought Leader | Board member | Founder of Aktina Group Consulting | Proud Father