Puzzle on Chain Linking

April 11, 2023

Chain Link Puzzle

Anita is given a puzzle on-chain linking where she has some chains with links and is required to form a long chain with the help of it. But this comes with a few regulations and definite rules. Read the premise, rules, and objective carefully to find the solution to the problem.

Premise – You have five chain parts, each of which has three links. It costs 1 rupee to break open a link, and 3 rupees to solder an open link.

Rule – Is it possible to build a single lengthy chain of the five components with only 15 rupees?

Objective – How will you link these five components to form a long chain?

puzzle on chain linking

Solution

Let’s call the chains given in the puzzle chain linking A, B, C, D, and E where each chain is equipped with three links.

puzzle on chain linking
  1. Now let us break and open all the three links of chain A. This costs Anita = Rs. 1*3 = 3 Rs.
  2. Now Anita can connect chains B and C with one open link that makes it again 3 Rs.
  3. Now she can connect chains C and D with another open link which makes it again 3 Rs
  4. And finally, she can connect chains D and E with a third open link which costs Anita 3 Rs.

Now on adding money spent in step 1, 2, 3 and 4 = 3+3+3+3 = 12 Rs.

Therefore, as per the rule, she can obtain a long chain out of the given pieces for just 12 Rupees.

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