6 hours ago
- The classic age puzzle 'How old is Ann?' was popularized in the early 1900s, first appearing in the New York World around 1903, causing a nationwide craze.
- The problem: Mary is 24 and twice as old as Ann was when Mary was as old as Ann is now. The correct answer is 16, though common wrong answers include 12.
- The puzzle spawned songs, plays, and widespread public debate, with many prominent figures offering incorrect or humorous solutions.
- The origin is credited to Robert D. Towne, who first published it in the Newark Evening News in April 1903 under the pen name Perkin Warbeck.
- A related puzzle is also included: A man is twice the age his wife was when he was her age; when she reaches his age, their combined ages will be 100.