Family River Crossing Puzzle | MindYourLogic River Crossing Puzzle
The challenge is to transport a father, mother, and two kids across a river using a boat that can only hold either one adult or two children. The puzzle tests logical thinking and planning to ensure the entire family reaches the other side in the fewest possible steps without breaking the boat's capacity limit.
Steps to Solve the Puzzle
First Trip: The two kids row across the river.
State: Both kids on the other side; both parents on the starting side.
Second Trip: One kid returns with the boat.
State: One kid on each side; both parents on the starting side.
Third Trip: One parent (father or mother) rows across the river.
State: One parent and one kid on the other side; one parent and one kid on the starting side.
Fourth Trip: The kid on the other side returns with the boat.
State: Two kids on the starting side; both parents on the other side.
Fifth Trip: The two kids row across the river again.
State: Both kids on the other side; both parents on the other side.
Sixth Trip: One kid returns with the boat.
State: One kid on each side; both parents on the other side.
Seventh Trip: The remaining parent (father) rows across the river.
State: Both parents on the other side; one kid on each side.
Final Trip: The remaining kid on the starting side rows across the river.
State: All family members are on the other side.
Conclusion
The family successfully crosses the river in eight trips, with each move carefully planned to adhere to the boat's carrying capacity. This solution demonstrates the importance of strategic thinking and sequencing to solve problems efficiently.