Solve Fruit Puzzle: Apples & Oranges in 3 Boxes

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The discussion revolves around a logic puzzle involving three boxes containing apples, oranges, and a mix of both, all of which are mislabeled. Participants clarify that the labels do not correspond to the actual contents of the boxes, meaning a box labeled "apples" cannot contain apples. The key to solving the puzzle lies in recognizing that since all boxes are mislabeled, drawing a single piece of fruit from one box will provide enough information to correctly identify the contents of all three boxes. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding the implications of the mislabeling, which simplifies the problem significantly once grasped.
Jimmy Snyder
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There are three boxes. One contains apples only, one contains oranges only, and one contains apples and oranges. They are mislabeled. You designate one of the boxes. I will remove a single piece of fruit from it and hand it to you. From that information you will correctly label all three boxes.
 
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Jimmy Snyder said:
They are mislabeled.

They are mislabeled, or they are labeled at random? What I mean is - if the box is labeled "apples" can I be sure it contains either oranges or mix, or can it contain apples as well?
 
Borek said:
They are mislabeled, or they are labeled at random? What I mean is - if the box is labeled "apples" can I be sure it contains either oranges or mix, or can it contain apples as well?
mislabeled
 
give me something from the box labeled apples and oranges, please
 
Wait, it's a prune. Let me get another one.
 
Smell?

If you've got an apple that smells of orange, or vice versa, that should tell you what is in the box with it.

(I have no idea what I'm talking about, only thing I could come up with).

I can see the logic you have to apply, just got to get my head around it.
 
A more serious attempt at the answer. It all comes down to the boxes being deliberately mislabelled and I've taken this to mean they cannot contain what is written.

I choose the Apples/Oranges box.

If you pull an apple, the oranges box must contain the apples/oranges and the apples box must contain the oranges.

If you pull an orange, the oranges box must conatin the apples and the apples box must contain the apples/oranges.

EDIT: corrected my mistake
 
It's a very simple problem. I had trouble with it because it took me a while to see the importance of the
mislabeling
Once that hurdle is passed the rest is easy. Borek focused attention on that detail.
 
So was my assumption regarding it correct?
 
  • #10
jarednjames said:
So was my assumption regarding it correct?
Yes, by mislabeled, I meant that none of the boxes contain what the label says they do.
 
  • #11
That is an easy one.
Take one out from both fruits container. If it is apple then the orange container will have both fruits and apple will have orange. Same method if it is orange
 

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