The strategy of simplification allows problem-solvers to gain new insights about possible solutions that may be difficult to grasp when looking at too many variables. This is clear in the TED-Ed lesson Can you solve the famously difficult green-eyed logic puzzle? – Alex Gendler.

It is difficult to see how anyone could make progress on this problem without reducing the number of prisoners from 100 to two. With only two prisoners, it is not difficult to understand that the statement, “There is at least one green-eyed person here,” gives Adria new information because she now knows that Bill knows there is at least one green-eyed prisoner.

When a problem seems too challenging and you have no idea have to make any progress on it, simplification usually provides key insights into the solution. To learn more about the importance of simplification, check out this site. To explore more math equations, click here.