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Tug of War		  
Q The young farm animals have been playing tug of war. With 3 piglets on one side and 2 kids (young goats) on the other side, the game ended in a tie. Similarly, with 3 calves on one side and 4 kids on the other side, the game ended in a tie. Which side, if either, will win if one side has 5 piglets and the other side has 2 calves?


  
A The 5 piglets will win. If there were only 4 piglets on one side and 2 calves on the other side, it would be a tie.

Here's one way to solve the puzzle. The puzzle tells you the following:

  • 2 kids = 3 piglets
  • 3 calves = 4 kids

    Those facts mean the following are also true:

  • 4 kids equal 6 piglets
  • 3 calves equal 6 piglets

    Therefore, 1 calf = 2 piglets. It follows that 2 calves = 4 piglets. If 2 calves and 4 piglets would tie, then 5 piglets would beat 2 calves.

    Source: Karen C. Richards,Mighty Mini Mind Bogglers,p. 11

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