Anna’s Picture

Once upon a time there was a beautiful princess named Anna. Anna’s father, the King, wanted to be sure his daughter married an intelligent man.

To test his daughter’s suitors the King hid Anna’s picture in one of three boxes. The suitor had to be able to select the box with Anna’s picture on one try and within twenty seconds.

The following messages were written on the boxes.

Gold box: Anna’s picture is in this box.
Silver box: Anna’s picture is not in this box.
Bronze box: Anna’s picture is not in the gold box.

The King would tell each suitor, “Only one of the three messages is correct.” Which box contained Anna’s picture?

Answer

The silver box contained Anna’s picture.

If her picture had been in the gold box, the statements on the gold box and silver box would have been true.

If her picture had been in the bronze box, the statements on the bronze box and silver box would have been true.

If her picture is in the silver box, the statement on the bronze box would be true and the statements on the gold and silver boxes would not be true.

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