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Introduction
Color of the Last Ball is a very famous problem. The problem along with the solution is given below. Read the question and try to attempt it on your own. Refer to the solution only when you are not able to do the question. The solution will explain to you the concept behind the question. Interesting!, isn’t it? So let's get started.
Problem Statement
In a bag, you have 10 blue balls and 17 red balls. You reach in and pull out two at a time.
You put a blue ball in the bag if they're the same color.
If the balls are of different colors, a red ball is added to the bag.
Assume you have a large quantity of blue and red balls.
Note: Since you don't put the two balls back in the bag as you take them out, the number of balls in the bag continues to decrease.
What color will be the final ball in the bag?
Red
Blue
Can not be determined
Now, give a thought to the question and it may look easy to you or maybe not. If not, no need to worry, you can check out the solution when attempted properly. So, shall we begin?
Solution
Take all the three cases {(blue, blue),(red, red),(blue, red)} and state the change that happened in the bag after the replacement.
S.No
Balls Pulled Out
Balls Submitted back
Net Change in the bag
1.
2 blue
1 blue ball
-1 blue ball
2.
2 red
1 blue ball
-2 red ball +1 blue ball
3.
1 blue, 1 red
1 red ball
-1 blue ball
Now on observing the net change that takes place in each case we can see that for the red balls in case no 2. Two balls can be removed and there is no other case where a change in the number of red balls takes place.
Red balls can be removed in the multiples of two hence there is no possible combination in which an odd number of red balls can be taken out. In the question, we have an odd number of red balls(17) so at most 16 red balls can be removed and there is no way to remove the last remaining red ball.
The so-called "puzzle interview," popularized by Microsoft in the 1990s, is the most renowned example of this trend. Puzzle interviews require the applicant to answer riddles (for example, "Why are manhole covers round?") or address odd situations (for example, "How would you weigh an airplane without a scale?").
What are the advantages of solving puzzles?
Solving puzzles enhances the problem-solving skills of a person. It also improves the logic building of a person.
How to solve a number sequence puzzle?
To solve a number sequence puzzle, first, find the pattern between numbers of the sequence. Once you know the pattern then you can find the next number of the sequence by following the same pattern.
Conclusion
To summarize the article, we have discussed the famous Color of the balls problem and the solution regarding the same. Also, we have discussed some frequent doubts regarding the subject.