You have two identical eggs and access to a 100-story building. You need to figure out the highest floor from which an egg can be dropped without breaking. What's the minimum number of drops needed in the worst case?

Why this works

At first glance, this riddle seems to challenge the very limits of logic and intuition, presenting a seemingly insurmountable problem. However, it cleverly orchestrates a strategic approach to minimize the number of drops needed to pinpoint the highest safe floor. The key lies in understanding that with two eggs, you can create a methodical plan that balances risk and efficiency. By starting your drops at floor 14 and increasing the intervals based on the math of the triangular numbers, you ensure that each drop narrows down the range effectively while utilizing the second egg to pinpoint the exact floor once the first egg breaks. This riddle thrives on the concept of optimization and risk management, drawing from mathematical principles that explore how to cover the maximum possible ground with minimal risk. The “aha moment” emerges when you realize that by incrementally adjusting the dropping floors, you can cover the entire span of the building while keeping your egg count intact. The cleverness here lies in the balance of exploring larger sections with the first egg while maintaining the option to fine-tune your search with the second. Interestingly, this type of riddle dates back centuries and has roots in mathematical puzzles often shared among scholars. The problem itself is a classic example of dynamic programming, a concept that plays a significant role in computer science, particularly in algorithm design. So, the next time you're faced with a conundrum that seems overwhelming, remember the 100-story egg problem and how sometimes the best solutions involve a thoughtful strategy rather than brute force!