The Professor

[phrontist]

First assumption: a) one can not shake hand with self.
b) spouses did not shake each others hand.
c) each hand shake was only reported once.
Then it is possible to get nine different answers: the first would say 8 hands, the second would say 8 hands but subtract the shake with the first so 7 hands, and so on until the last person states that he or she shook 8 hands minus the 8 previously mentioned shakes would get zero.

Therefore, the possible answers could be 8,7,6,5,4,3,2,1,0 nine different answers.

If each were asked separately and without assumption (c) from above then each would have said 8 hands.

If each were asked separately and without assumptions (b) and (c) from above then each would have said 9 hands.

Solution is now complete.

[Werebear]

Complete... but incorrect, as far as I can tell. Try reading the other thread covering this puzzle.

Werebear

[phrontist]

Intriguing.

The assumption/premise is correct and depending on which position she is asked in would give the calculated 9 different answers. Let me pro on the sol.

[Werebear]

Well, you have the logic I used in the other thread... Please don't let that stop you from working on this! I would enjoy a different solution! Let me know.

Werebear

[CrystyB]

but obviously c is wrong: each handshake was reported twice. Plus of course one would not shake hands with one's mate.

And werebear, now there's no "other thread covering this puzzle". There's the most active one!

[MacadamiamaN]

YOU GUYS! How could you not know the answer! it's so obvious!!!
Here it is:

How many handshakes did the professor's wife receive?
NONE!
As only guests and hosts shook hands, the professor's wife was the HOSTESS.

[Dragon Phoenix]

Welcome, but please do not start multiple threads for one puzzle. Thank you. Lockdown.

The main thread is here.

[This message has been edited by Sofis (edited 05-28-2002 10:50 AM).]