At first glance, the image presents a simple puzzle:
“I have 6 eggs. I broke 2. I fried 2. I ate 2. How many are left?”
Yet, it’s this very simplicity that tricks most people. Let’s unpack it.
The Common Mistake
Many people instinctively subtract each action from the total:
6 eggs – 2 broken – 2 fried – 2 eaten = 0 eggs left.
But that’s not how it works.
Let’s Break It Down
You start with 6 eggs.
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Broke 2: These are still your eggs. Breaking them is part of using them, but they still count in your possession unless eaten or discarded.
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Fried 2: Likely, you fried the same 2 you broke.
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Ate 2: Again, probably the same ones you fried.
If all these actions were done on the same 2 eggs, then only 2 eggs were used, and the remaining 4 are untouched.
So, What’s the Correct Answer?
4 eggs are left.
The riddle is a play on assumptions. It never says the eggs used in each step are different. In fact, in a real kitchen, you’d naturally break, fry, and eat the same eggs.
Why Do People Get It Wrong?
This riddle plays with sequencing and logical deduction. It challenges your instinct to count actions rather than objects. When you slow down and think step-by-step, the trick becomes clear.
The Takeaway
This puzzle reminds us how easy it is to misjudge a problem by rushing through the details. Whether you’re solving riddles or working on real-life decisions, slow down and think critically — you might surprise yourself with how much you’ve overlooked.