Most People Can’t Figure Out This Simple Math Riddle. Can You?

The Bridge of Destiny Math Riddle is a twist on the famous bridge and torch problem. This math riddle is seemingly simple and a fan favorite for ages 10 and up, yet many people can’t seem to get the correct answer.

If you love math riddles, brain challenges, and epic quests, then give this one a try and see if you have what it takes to find the answer!

Bridge of Destiny Math Riddle:

Four travelers on a quest must cross a fragile bridge to continue their journey.
No individuals can cross the bridge without the Destiny Gem close by, which, fortunately, they have in their possession.
If at any time, more than two individuals walk on the bridge, it will collapse.
Each traveler moves at a different pace, and it will take each traveler the following amount of time to cross the bridge:
Sorceress: 1 minute, Archer: 2 minutes, Warrior: 5 minutes, Wizard: 8 minutes
When two travelers cross the bridge together, they must move at the slower person's pace.

What is the shortest time needed for all four travelers to safely cross the bridge?

Remember…

No more than two individuals can cross the bridge at the same time (otherwise, it will collapse)
Individuals must stay together when crossing the bridge and be in possession of the Destiny Gem
All four travelers must get safely across
No tricks spells, or throwing the Destiny Gem allowed!

Ready to Give This Math Riddle a Try?

Go ahead and try and solve the Destiny Bridge Math Riddle on your own before scrolling any further. Come back when you’re ready to see the answer.

(Hint: Using a chart can be very helpful!)

Bridge Riddle Answer

Many people conclude that the shortest amount of time for all four travelers to cross the bridge is 17 minutes, but this is incorrect!

***The actual answer is 15 minutes.

To find the correct answer to the riddle, you must realize that having the two slowest individuals cross the bridge individually wastes valuable time which can be saved if they both cross together.

Detailed Explanation:

Check out our animated Destiny Bridge Riddle Video for a detailed explanation of why the answer is 15 minutes AND for a super fun bonus riddle!

Ready for a Bonus Riddle?

Wait! Our travelers need your help yet again. Can you solve the bonus riddle?

The River and The Torch

Further along their journey, the four travelers must cross a river at night.
Crossing the river after dark is only possible with a torch, so the travelers have traded the Destiny Gem for a Torch that will provide light for 17 minutes after it is lit.
Only two travelers can cross the river at one time, and they must have the torch in their possession in order to see where they are going.
Each traveler takes the following amount of time to cross the river
Wizard: 10 Minutes, Sorceress: 5 Minutes, Archer: 2 Minutes, Warrior: 1 Minute

How can all four travelers cross the river before the torch burns out?

Go ahead and try and solve the River and Torch Math Riddle on your own before scrolling any further. Come back when you’re ready to see the answer.

We'll be here waiting for you when you’re done :)

(Hint: Again, using a chart can be very helpful!)

River Riddle Answer

***The answer is 17 minutes.

Just like the bridge riddle, to find the correct answer, you have to save time by having the two slowest individuals (in this case, the wizard and the sorceress) cross the bridge together.

Did you get the correct answer?