Petals Around the Rose

Petals Around the Rose is a mathematically challenging puzzle in which the object is to work out the formula by which a number is derived from the roll of a set of five or six dice. It is often used as an exercise in inductive reasoning.[1] The puzzle became popular in computer circles in the mid 1970s,[2] particularly through an anecdote recounted in Personal Computing which depicts Bill Gates working out the solution in an airport.[3]

The answer to this roll is six

Puzzle play

The puzzle is commonly presented as a challenge in which one person (the presenter), familiar with the puzzle's set formula, rolls the dice and announces the calculated result for their roll, repeating ad nauseam. Players are challenged to work out the formula being used by the presenter and to verbally announce the calculated result of each roll along with the presenter. It is intended that they keep the formula to themselves.[2][3]

References
  1. Reichert, Michael; Hawley, Richard (2010). Reaching Boys, Teaching Boys: Strategies that Work—and Why. John Wiley & Sons. pp. 54, 55. ISBN 9780470651070. Retrieved December 4, 2012.
  2. Morris, Scot (May 1980). "Games". Omni. 2 (8): 144, 128.
  3. Borrett, Lloyd. "Bill Gates and Petals Around the Rose". Retrieved December 4, 2012.
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