Futility Closet

How Old Is Anne?

Posted in Puzzles by Greg Ross on February 22nd, 2008

Reportedly this question inspired an ongoing national debate when it appeared in the New York Press in 1903:

Brooklyn, October 12

Dear Tip:

Mary is 24 years old. She is twice as old as Anne was when she was as old as Anne is now. How old is Anne now? A says the answer is 16; B says 12. Which is correct?

John Mahon

I get a third answer. Perhaps it's time for another debate.