Bunny Hop
Three white rabbits where hopping down a narrow path and three grey rabbits were hopping up the same narrow path.
The only way they could pass is by jumping over each other, one at a time.
What is the smallest number of jumps needed before all the rabbits can continue along their path?
Here are some of the best explained solutions.
Solution 1
Jason (Dunstable) said:
Reason: As there are three rabbits on each side this makes the total three times one rabbit getting past!!!
It takes 3 jumps for 1 rabbit so multiply it by 3 and you get your answer of 9.
Solution 2
Susannah (Headington Junior School) left one grey rabbit behind, but explained things so well:
First one white rabbit jumps over all three grey rabbits =
3 jumps
Then the first grey rabbit jumps over the remaining white rabbits =
2 jumps
Then the second white rabbit (first now) jumps over the remaining grey rabbits =
2 jumps
Lastly, the last grey rabbit jumps over the last white rabbit =
1 jump
Therefore, 8 jumps!
For a new challenge, how many different ways can these 9 jumps take place?