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Can you solve the prisoner hat riddle? - Alex Gendler

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51,270 Questions Answered

TEDEd Animation

Let’s Begin…

You and nine other individuals have been captured by super-intelligent alien overlords. The aliens think humans look quite tasty, but their civilization forbids eating highly logical and cooperative beings. Unfortunately, they’re not sure whether you qualify, so they decide to give you all a test. Can you solve this hat riddle? Alex Gendler shows how.

What process does each person after the first use to figure out their hat color?

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About TED-Ed Animations

TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »

Meet The Creators

  • Educator Alex Gendler
  • Director Outis
  • Composer Cem Misirlioglu
  • Narrator Addison Anderson

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