Four white candles are burning side by side, labeled A, B, C, and D. Each has a different height, but all four are shown with similar flames. Which candle will burn out first?
Look at the candles carefully
The first candle, A, is the tallest. Candle B is a little shorter. Candle C is noticeably the shortest of the group, and candle D is taller than C.
It’s tempting to overthink the question, but the most useful detail is simply how much wax each candle has left.
The intended answer
C is the candle expected to burn out first. If all four candles are made of the same material, have the same thickness, and burn at the same rate, the shortest candle has the least wax remaining.
With those conditions, a candle that has less fuel cannot keep burning as long as a taller identical candle. That’s the central logic behind the picture.
Does candle height always tell the whole story?
Not in real life. Wick size, wax composition, air currents, and differences in how the candles burn can affect their burn times. The puzzle only has a straightforward answer when we assume the candles are otherwise equal.
The illustration is a fun way to practice distinguishing the main clue from unnecessary details.
Did you pick C on your first try, or did the different flame positions make you hesitate? Challenge a friend to choose before you explain your reasoning.
