A logic puzzle originally set for Singaporean schoolchildren has gone viral, leaving many adults scratching their heads. The problem, which asks students to deduce Cheryl's birthday from a set of clues, was posted on Facebook by Singapore TV presenter Kenneth Kong and quickly spread worldwide.
The puzzle involves three individuals: Albert, Bernard, and Cheryl. Cheryl tells Albert the month of her birthday and Bernard the day. The possible months are May, June, July, or August, and the possible days are 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, or 19. Using a series of statements about what each knows, solvers must determine the exact date.
Initial reports suggested the question was for Primary 5 students (around 10 years old), but it later emerged that it was from the Singapore and Asian Schools Math Olympiad, intended for 14- to 15-year-olds. Singapore consistently ranks among the top in international maths assessments for both primary and secondary levels.
The puzzle has been compared to the viral "#thedress" optical illusion, sparking widespread debate and attempts at solving it. Many adults have found the problem challenging, highlighting the high standard of maths education in Singapore.
