AI and the Art of Reasoning

AI is rapidly evolving its ability to reason, and can not only revolutionize education, but also enhance decision making. Have you wondered recently if AI is (already) smarter than you in reasoning? Do you want to try it?

Here is something light for the weekend.

One of my favorite mathematics riddles. It’s an old one, but every time gives a good brain-stretching opportunity.

I tried it with several LLM models using simple prompt:

Solve this riddle and explain reasoning how you came to conclusion.

Interestingly, the answer - which is just a pair of numbers - varies from model to model. Despite very reasonable explanations and steps of reaching conclusion, the final answers differ. Which LLM is right? Is there a right answer? ?I will not spoil it and provide solution. Try to solve it by yourself? or with your favorite LLM, and test how good is the reasoning.

Is AI better than you? It is insightful way to explore the current state of AI reasoning and how it complements human thinking.

Have fun and let me know if you (or your AI model) found the answer!

A student of Plato and Socrates chose two natural numbers which were bigger than 1 and their sum was lower than 20. Plato learned the sum of these numbers and Socrates their multiplication product. Each of them knew only their own result and they knew that they have a sum and a multiplication product of certain numbers. They started a conversation: 

Socrates – I don’t know what these numbers are.
Plato – I knew, you will not know these numbers. 
Socrates – But now I know.
Plato – And now I know as well. 

What numbers chose Plato’s and Socrates’ student??