Michael, this is how you use this thing!

Key Concepts

• Think It Through Tiles (1989)
• Puzzle Book
• Number Tiles
• Answer Box
• Pattern Formation
• Hot Dog Style Rotation

Solving the Think It Through Tiles Puzzle

The video explains the intended method for using the "Think It Through" tiles, a toy from 1989. The core of the puzzle involves matching problem tiles to their corresponding answers within a provided puzzle book.

Step-by-Step Process:

1. Identify the Problem: Select a problem from the puzzle book. For example, Problem Number One is "15 / 5".
2. Calculate the Answer: Solve the mathematical problem. 15 divided by 5 equals 3.
3. Locate the Answer in the Answer Box: Find the calculated answer (3) within the designated "answer box" section of the puzzle book. The transcript notes that the answer "three" is located in "box B".
4. Place the Problem Tile: Take the number tile corresponding to the problem number (Tile Number One for Problem Number One) and place it into the box where its answer was found (Box B).
5. Repeat for All Problems: Continue this process for all problems in the puzzle book. For instance, Problem Number Two is "21 divided by 3", which equals 7. The number 7 is found in "box J". Therefore, Tile Number Two is placed in Box J.

Pattern Formation and Revelation:

Once all the tiles are correctly placed according to their answers:

1. Close the Case: Secure the tiles by closing the toy's case.
2. Perform Rotation: Execute a "hot dog style rotation" by folding the top over.
3. Open and Observe: Open the case again. A pattern will have been formed by the shapes on the backs of the tiles.
4. Compare Patterns: The user is instructed to compare the newly formed pattern with a pattern shown on the problem page of the puzzle book.

Outcome and Personal Reflection:

The creator expresses immense satisfaction upon successfully solving the puzzle, stating, "Dude, I nailed it. That's how it's supposed to work." They describe spending the entire day playing with the toy and finding it to be "a blast," having become an "expert." The video is framed as a message to the creator's younger self, offering encouragement and revealing a long-sought-after solution. The toy's name, "Think It Through," is humorously reinterpreted as "Through Thinking."

Technical Terms and Concepts

• Number Tile: A physical tile representing a specific problem number.
• Answer Box: A section within the puzzle book where the solutions to the problems are listed, often associated with specific lettered or numbered boxes.
• Hot Dog Style Rotation: A specific folding or manipulation technique applied to the closed case to reveal the pattern.

Conclusion

The video provides a clear, step-by-step guide to solving the 1989 "Think It Through" tiles puzzle. The core mechanic involves matching problem tiles to their calculated answers, which are then used to determine the placement of the tiles within the case. The final reveal of a pattern, achieved through a specific rotation, is the ultimate goal of the puzzle, allowing users to verify their solutions. The creator's personal journey of discovery and enjoyment highlights the toy's engaging nature once its intended use is understood.