TED-Ed: Can you solve the birthday cake riddle? | Marie Brodsky

The video tutorial narrates a story about a giant's birthday where the task is to determine the giant's age by counting candles on a cake. The narrator describes a tunnel inside the cake where candles can be turned on or off. Initially, a straightforward strategy is proposed, but it may be time-consuming. A more efficient method is then suggested, involving testing hypotheses about the giant's age and adjusting the approach based on the results. The story concludes with the discovery that the giant is turning 12, allowing the narrator to prepare the chocolate numbers for the cake.

What is the protagonist's main challenge in determining the giant's age?

• The protagonist is too small to see the top of the cake.

• The giant is too young to have candles.

• The giant does not want anyone to know his age.

• The candles are hidden inside the cake.

What is the initial strategy proposed for counting the candles?

• Marking the first candle and backtracking to check the loop.

• Lighting all candles at once.

• Using a ladder to see the top of the cake.

• Asking the giant directly for his age.

Why might the straightforward strategy be inefficient?

• It requires too many candles to be lit.

• It involves running a marathon between candles.

• It may take too long if many candles are already lit.

• It depends on the giant's cooperation.

How does the efficient strategy improve upon the initial method?

• By asking the baker for the correct number.

• By lighting all candles simultaneously.

• By testing hypotheses and adjusting guesses based on patterns.

• By using a calculator to count candles.

What is the advantage of doubling the guess in the efficient strategy?

• It ensures all candles are lit.

• It allows for quick determination of high numbers.

• It prevents the giant from waking up.

• It reduces the number of candles needed.