Correctly Labeling Medical Supply Boxes
Overview of the Problem
In a medical office, there are three boxes containing medical supplies. The contents of the boxes are as follows: one box holds syringes, another holds needles, and the third contains both syringes and needles. Each box is labeled: one is marked “syringes,” another “needles,” and the last “syringes and needles.” However, it is established that none of these labels are accurate.
Strategy for Correct Labeling
To rectify the labeling, you can only take one item from one box and examine it.
Step-by-Step Solution
Start by selecting an item from the box labeled “syringes and needles.”
– **If You Draw a Syringe:**
This indicates that the box labeled “syringes and needles” actually contains only syringes. Consequently, the box labeled “needles” cannot contain just syringes or just needles, leaving it as the box that contains both syringes and needles. Therefore, the remaining box must contain only needles.
– **If You Draw a Needle:**
In this case, the box labeled “syringes and needles” contains only needles. Thus, the box labeled “syringes” cannot hold just syringes and must contain both syringes and needles. This leaves the box marked “needles” as the one containing only syringes.
Conclusion
By taking just one item from the box labeled “syringes and needles,” you can accurately deduce the correct contents of all three boxes based on the item retrieved.