A OR B ?

GAMES/World of Puzzles

April, 2024

R. Wayne Schmittberger

 

In each pair of statements that follow, one is true and one is false. Can you determine which is which?  And why is the false one false?

 

1)

A. "Live Free or Die" is the motto of the Granite State.

 

B. "The Crossroads of America" is the name of the Show Me State. 

2)

A. The mineral "gneiss" and the adjective "nice" are homophones.

B. "My asthma" is an incorrect pronunciation of "miasma."

3.

A. A jenny is the offspring of a female donkey and a male horse.

B. A mule is the offspring of a male donkey and a female horse.

4. 

A. Yellowstone is the only U.S. national park that is shared by three states.

 

B. Alaska has the most national parks of any U.S. state.

 

5.

A. Callisto, Europa, and Ganymede are the moons of Saturn.

 

B. Saturn's moon Titan is larger than the planet Mercury.

 

6. 

A. Minus 40 degrees Fahrenheit is exactly the same as minus 40 degrees Celsius (centigrade).

b. One inch is exactly equal to 2.5 centimeters.

Answers:

 

1. A is true. The Granite State is New Hampshire. The Crossroads of America is the motto of Indiana. The Show Me State is Missouri.

 

2. "Gneiss" and "nice" are pronounced exactly the same. "My asthma" is the correct pronunciation of "miasma." 

 

3.  B is true. A jenny is a female donkey. The offspring of a female donkey and a male horse is called a hinny. Mules and hinnies cannot reproduce.

 

4. A is true. Yellowstone is shared by Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho. Alaska has eight national parks, but California has nine.

 

5.  B is true. The moon in A are moons of Jupiter.

 

6. A is true. An inch equals exactly 2.54 centimeters.