9
$\begingroup$

Inspired by @athin's One More Twin Puzzle: Four Days Difference?

After reading @athin's question, I was inspired to ask my own puzzle club about their birthdays. One of the members, Ethan, surprised me:

"My birthday was just two days ago. But you'll never believe this - one of my great-great-… well, I'm not sure how far back it is, but my one of my direct ancestors was one of a pair of twins, and their birthdays were 12 and 24 days ago."

Is it possible Ethan is telling the truth? How?

NB: the people whose birthdays were 12 and 24 days ago were twins of each other

Improve this question
$\endgroup$

2 Answers 2

Reset to default
10
$\begingroup$

Yes, it is possible!

In 1752, 11 days were skipped from the calendar to realign the Gregorian and Julian calendars. If one was born just before this skip and another was born after, then they could be twins born 12 days apart.

Improve this answer
$\endgroup$
1
  • $\begingroup$ Relevant (link target is a spoiler for this puzzle, naturally). $\endgroup$
    – Rand al'Thor
    Dec 29, 2017 at 22:09
8
$\begingroup$

Beaten by Deusovi by 1 minute, well played, well played...

Answer

Your ancestors were born the 2nd (just before midnight) and 14th (just after midnight) of September in the year 1752.

Why ?

Because the Gregorian calendar at that time skipped 11 days !

Improve this answer
$\endgroup$
1

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.