[net.puzzle] Series problem - from my 13 year old son

ttb@ihuxn.UUCP (Thomas T. Butler) (09/10/84)

--
My 13 year old son gave me this "what's the next number in the
series" problem several days ago.  He says it's "simpy" and
everyone knows the answer, everyone but me that is.  I always
thought I was pretty good at this type of problem, but this
one has me stumped (though admittedly I haven't spent much
time on it).  How about the rest of you experts? Is this really
as "simpy" as my son claims?

What is the next number in the following series (and WHY)?

2  3  10  12  13  20  21

Thanks in advance for your erudite responses!
-- 
                           Tom Butler
                           ..!ihnp4!ihuxn!ttb

ags@pucc-i (Seaman) (09/11/84)

>  What is the next number in the following series (and WHY)?
>  
>  2  3  10  12  13  20  21
  
The intended answer was probably 22 (I won't give away the reason), but
I can also make a good case for 23.  Who can give the next term in the
following series?

   2  3  10  12  13  20  21  23  30  31  32
-- 
[This is my bugkiller line.  It may appear to be misplaced, but it works.]

Dave Seaman			My hovercraft is no longer full of 
..!pur-ee!pucc-i:ags		eels (thanks to my confused cat).