Coin Distances

after Martin Gardner

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Fig. 1 Fig. 2

Place three identical coins side by side as shown in Figure 1.

Now, can you slide the middle coin to the right along the horizontal line until
distance AB equals distance CD? As you slide the middle coin to the right
distance CD is unfolded as shown in Figure 2. The object is only to guess the
place where CD is unfolded enough to be equal AB.

Last Updated: June 11, 2005 Page 1 of 2

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Permission is granted for personal use only.
This puzzle may not be duplicated for personal profit.
Coin Distances
Explanation
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The illusion is perhaps related to the Müller-Lyer illusion, when two lines of
equal length appear different because of arrow lines that point inward at the
ends of one line and outward at the ends of the other. In our illusion the coins'
rims play the role of the arrows. With distance AB the rims of the respective
coins lay within the length of AB. While for distance CD the rims are outside
its length. As a result this makes an illusion that distance AB seems to be
somewhat shorter than distance CD, though they are in fact equal.

Last Updated: June 11, 2005 Page 2 of 2

Copyright © 2005 ThinkFun Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Permission is granted for personal use only.
This puzzle may not be duplicated for personal profit.