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Can you solve the stolen rubies riddle? - Dennis Shasha

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4,840 Questions Answered

TEDEd Animation

Let’s Begin…

Townspeople are demanding that a corrupt merchant’s collection of 30 rubies be confiscated to reimburse the victims of his schemes. The king announces that the fine will be determined through a game of wits between the merchant and the king’s most clever advisor – you. Can you outfox the merchant and win back the greatest amount of rubies to help his victims? Dennis Shasha shows how.

Additional Resources for you to Explore

Interested in solving more puzzles? Follow The Puzzling Adventures of Dr. Ecco, written by the educator.

Check out “The Pesky Problem of Two Doors,” a riddle published in the New York Times.

Want to continue deep-diving into the world of math? Check out Math for Love.

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About TED-Ed Animations

TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »

Meet The Creators

  • Educator Dennis Shasha
  • Director Milos Zivkov
  • Narrator Addison Anderson
  • Illustrator Stevica Zivkov
  • Animator Milos Zivkov
  • Character Designer Milos Zivkov
  • Content Producer Gerta Xhelo
  • Editorial Producer Alex Rosenthal
  • Associate Producer Bethany Cutmore-Scott
  • Fact-Checker Brian Gutierrez

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