The River-Crossing Problem

Robin Wilson, Gresham Professor of Geometry, gives a quick run-through of the origins of the river-cross problem and the basis of how to solve it.

Many more explanations of various puzzles can be found on the Gresham College website. How do you get the fox, the goose, and the bag of corn across the river without any of them being eaten? Were the rules of means-end analysis applied to the solving of this problem?

The river crossing problem is a classic puzzle that has been around for centuries. It involves finding a way to get a group of objects or people across a river using a limited set of resources, such as a boat or raft. The challenge is to come up with a plan that follows certain rules or constraints, such as the boat’s carrying capacity or the relative importance of the objects being transported.

At its core, the river crossing problem is a test of logic and problem-solving ability. It requires people to think carefully about the resources at their disposal and the constraints they must work within, and to come up with a plan that gets everyone across the river safely and efficiently. Some people may approach the problem by trying to maximize the number of trips the boat can make, while others may focus on ensuring that the most valuable objects are transported first.

The river crossing problem has many variations, and can be adapted to suit different age groups and skill levels. For example, a simple version might involve getting a farmer, a fox, a chicken, and a bag of grain across the river using a boat that can only hold the farmer and one other object at a time. In this case, the farmer must be careful not to leave the fox alone with the chicken, or the fox will eat the chicken. A more complex version might involve getting a group of people across a raging river using a raft that can only hold a certain number of people at a time, with certain individuals being more valuable or important than others.

Overall, the river crossing problem is a fun and engaging way to exercise your brain and improve your problem-solving skills. It can be enjoyed by people of all ages, and is a great activity to do with friends, family, or on your own. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced puzzle-solver, the river crossing problem is sure to provide a challenging and rewarding experience.