easy

You have 12 black socks and 12 white socks in your drawer. What is the minimum number of socks that you have to take out to make sure that you have a matching pair?

3. There are only 2 colors

Why this works

This riddle plays with the concept of combinations and the worst-case scenario. Since there are only two colors of socks—black and white—if you pull out three socks, you are guaranteed to have at least one matching pair. In the worst case, the first two socks could be one of each color, but when you pull out the third sock, it must match one of the first two, ensuring a pair. Thus, the answer is 3!

Common Wrong Answers

“2”

Taking out only 2 socks could result in one black sock and one white sock, which would not guarantee a matching pair.

“1”

If you only take out 1 sock, you cannot have a pair at all, as a pair requires at least 2 socks.

“4”

While taking out 4 socks guarantees a matching pair, it is not the minimum required number; only 3 socks are necessary to ensure at least one matching pair.

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