The riddle of the three travelers and coins presents a mathematical challenge involving ratios of wealth among the travelers. Specifically, if the first traveler takes the coins, he will possess twice the amount of the other two combined; if the second traveler takes the coins, he will have three times as much; and if the third traveler takes the coins, he will have five times as much. The discussion seeks both a solution to the riddle and insights into its origin or common name.
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Three travelers come across a bag of coins. If the first traveler takes the coins, he will have twice as much money as the other two.
If the second traveler takes the coins, he will have three times as much money as the other two.
If the third traveler takes the coins, he will have five times as much money as the other two.
The Chaz said:I came across a riddle (surely with some number-theoretic background). Paraphrased:
Three travelers come across a bag of coins. If the first traveler takes the coins, he will have twice as much money as the other two. If the second traveler takes the coins, he will have three times as much money as the other two. If the third traveler takes the coins, he will have five times as much money as the other two.
A solution would be nice, but I'd also be interested in knowing the origin and/or common name (phrasing) of this puzzle.
Thanks.