---
title: 'The ladybug clock puzzle'
source: 'https://youtube.com/watch?v=t3jZ2xGOvYg'
video_id: 't3jZ2xGOvYg'
date: 2026-08-08
duration_sec: 60
---

# The ladybug clock puzzle

> Source: [The ladybug clock puzzle](https://youtube.com/watch?v=t3jZ2xGOvYg)

## Summary

This video presents a probability puzzle involving a ladybug moving randomly on a clock face, coloring numbers one by one. The puzzle asks for the probability that the last number colored is the 6, and the video is part of a collaboration with mathematician Peter Winkler and the MoMath Museum's Year of Math.

### Key Points

- **Puzzle Setup** [00:00] — A ladybug starts at the 12 on a clock and moves randomly one step clockwise or counterclockwise each second, coloring each number it visits. The puzzle is to find the probability that the last number to get colored is the 6.
- **Simulation Example** [00:14] — In one simulation run, the last number to get colored is 3, illustrating the random nature of the process.
- **Collaboration Announcement** [00:29] — The video is a collaboration with mathematician Peter Winkler, and they both want to give the answer right away, but the puzzle is presented for viewers to solve first.
- **MoMath Museum Partnership** [00:43] — Peter Winkler will join monthly Zoom sessions to discuss the puzzle, as part of the MoMath Museum's Year of Math initiative.

### Conclusion

The video introduces a classic probability puzzle and promotes an ongoing collaboration with a mathematician and a museum, inviting viewers to engage with the problem.

## Transcript

and every second she moves randomly to clockwise or one step counterclockwise. colouring it red, and on this run of the
simulation, the last number to get coloured is 3. again where she continues until every number My puzzle for you is what is the probability that
the very last number to get coloured is the 6? collaboration with the mathematician Peter the answer right away, we both want
Every month Peter is going to hop onto a Zoom the relevant puzzle, and if you want to sign up It's all part of the MoMath Museum's Year of Math.