Virgil Showlion
Distinguished Associate
Moderator
[b]leones potest resistere[/b]
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 15:19:33 GMT -5
Posts: 27,448
|
Post by Virgil Showlion on Dec 23, 2010 1:15:07 GMT -5
whiskmavMessage #349 - 06/02/10 07:13 PMSince that last one Virgil put up has deep fried my brain in peanut oil, I'm giving you another easy chess puzzle. White to play and mate in 3 moves- Candy Cane ColleenzMessage #350 - 06/02/10 07:43 PMProblem 30 spoiler alert - I think... When drunkard #19 shows up there will be only two stools left. The two stools left would be either: two stools that belong to neither of us - I don't get my own stool regrdless of his choice one stool is his and one is another EE'r - I don't get my own stool because he chooses his stool one stool is his and one is mine - I get my own stool So a 1 in 3 chance. Why does all this talk of stools make me think of Dr. Pig? Virgil SyonidMessage #351 - 06/02/10 07:44 PMWhite to play and mate in 3 moves It's almost an exact black/white mirror of the 'Full Court Press' problem in #177. Since I solved that one, I'll leave this one to the other resident puzzle-seekers. Virgil SyonidMessage #352 - 06/02/10 07:50 PMWhen drunkard #19 shows up There's a real vote of confidence for EE. When drunkard #19 shows up there will be only two stools left. The two stools left would be either: Not a bad first line of reasoning. However, you'll note that the three cases you give don't occur with the same probability. In fact, one of the three cases is impossible.
|
|
Virgil Showlion
Distinguished Associate
Moderator
[b]leones potest resistere[/b]
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 15:19:33 GMT -5
Posts: 27,448
|
Post by Virgil Showlion on Dec 23, 2010 1:15:37 GMT -5
Candy Cane ColleenzMessage #353 - 06/02/10 08:02 PMAARRGH! - You are right! But now I have gone and looked up the answer and disqualified myself. one of the three cases is impossible That would qualify as a hint. GeenaMercileMessage #354 - 06/03/10 02:07 AMSpoiler---- Do I need to do that since this one was directed at me? First thing I did was to convert meters into centimeters. Next I made a square using the fact that the trench was 500 cm wide at all points. I then divided the square into two right triangles by drawing a line between the two corners in the banks, this line is 707.1cm. Next I drew another line connecting the other two corners in my square, this would be the board that touched the two outside banks, since this is a square I know that this board is currently 707.1 cms long. And sine I know that where this board intersects the other line is at the 1/2 way mark on the line this would then cause my inside board to be 353.6 (yes there is some rounding here) cm long. Now I want to get the boards at the same length I need to lengthen the inside board an shorten the outside board. For every 1cm I lengthen the inside board the outside board gets shorten by 2 cms. (I did do some scale drawings and measuring make sure of this ratio). We can say that 353.6 +X=707.1-2X, solve for X, X=117.8 (again rounding). To find the size of the boards you then put 117.8 back in to either side of the equation. This is where rounding kind of messes up the answer because you really get 471.4=471.5 which isn't true at all. But I am going to give 471.5cm as my answer to when the boards will be the same. Now considering that for the boards not to just fall straight down into the trench you do need some overlap on the banks and with the inside board on the outside board, and no one can walk on a 0 width board, I think the 4.8 given in the original problem to be more likely. Virgil SyonidMessage #355 - 06/03/10 06:06 AMFirst thing I did was to convert meters into centimeters. Next I made... I won't fault you for thoroughness. My thoughts were: 1.5 times the span of the board(s) is 5 rt(2) meters. Hence, b = 5 x rt(2) x 2 / 3 = 4.71 m You included the outside banks, the procedure for lengthening and shortening the boards, scale drawings, and then rounding, overlap, and walking width considerations. I dub you BrainTeaser Solver Summa semen-Laude. But can you get problem #30? Virgil SyonidMessage #356 - 06/03/10 04:17 PMSince problem 30 remains unsolved and since all contestants so far have either complained about 'brains fried in peanut oil' or have been compelled to disqualify themselves, I offer this rather significant [HINT]The answer to the problem is the same if you have 15, 10, or even 5 EE'ers instead of 20.You charities need you, citizens!
|
|
Virgil Showlion
Distinguished Associate
Moderator
[b]leones potest resistere[/b]
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 15:19:33 GMT -5
Posts: 27,448
|
Post by Virgil Showlion on Dec 23, 2010 1:16:06 GMT -5
GameshowMessage #357 - 06/03/10 04:33 PM
The answer to the problem is the same if you have 15, 10, or even 5 EE'ers instead of 20.
Virgil Are you saying that the method to the answer is the same or the answer itself is the same? If that's the case... I'm guessing either 100% or 0% As to why, I haven't figured that part out yet which is why I didn't put the "spoiler alert" on. Ben Virgil SyonidMessage #358 - 06/03/10 04:47 PMBen, the answer is the same. (Depending on which method you use, it would be the same too.) whiskmavMessage #359 - 06/03/10 08:09 PMWho doesn't like stuff fried in peanut oil?! Yummmm!!! IHearYou2Message #360 - 06/03/10 10:53 PMOoh Chess I stopped checking this thread... Queen down jump rook CHECK Black Rook jump Queen to prevent mate White Rook down CHECK Black Rook jump White Rook tp prevent mate Last White Rook down CHECKMATE baby f**k yes woo hoo!!! Victory!!!
|
|
Virgil Showlion
Distinguished Associate
Moderator
[b]leones potest resistere[/b]
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 15:19:33 GMT -5
Posts: 27,448
|
Post by Virgil Showlion on Dec 23, 2010 1:16:56 GMT -5
whiskmavMessage #361 - 06/03/10 11:55 PMIHY2-I knew I could count on you. beerwench over 29000 bits of drivel postedMessage #362 - 06/04/10 12:53 AMSo where is the solution to problem 26? I figured out figure A, so there should be at least partial credit, right?!! IHearYou2Message #363 - 06/04/10 12:54 AMWench if you bow to the King of Chess, I'll allow you to be my Queen and you'll get partial credit. beerwench over 29000 bits of drivel postedMessage #364 - 06/04/10 01:04 AMHarumph -- I am already Queen my good man, but I shall dub thee "Knight of the Chess table". Look! I got you a lapel pin and everything!! Go forth and enjoy all the privilege that your newfound title affords you.
|
|
Virgil Showlion
Distinguished Associate
Moderator
[b]leones potest resistere[/b]
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 15:19:33 GMT -5
Posts: 27,448
|
Post by Virgil Showlion on Dec 23, 2010 1:17:26 GMT -5
unrepentant spendthriftMessage #365 - 06/04/10 11:09 AM BUMP!! whiskmavMessage #366 - 06/04/10 02:08 PMGo forth and enjoy all the privilege that your newfound title affords you. Oh my liege, thou bringeth a humorous gale with you on this day. beerwench over 29000 bits of drivel postedMessage #367 - 06/04/10 02:15 PMI am full of merriment and mirth (and vodka! ) whiskmavMessage #368 - 06/04/10 02:19 PM(and vodka! ) Nothing wrong with that.
|
|
Virgil Showlion
Distinguished Associate
Moderator
[b]leones potest resistere[/b]
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 15:19:33 GMT -5
Posts: 27,448
|
Post by Virgil Showlion on Dec 23, 2010 1:17:55 GMT -5
whiskmavMessage #369 - 06/04/10 02:22 PMSince its Friday, let's end the week with an easy one. White to play and mate in 2 moves. Virgil SyonidMessage #370 - 06/04/10 04:47 PMI can't seem to do it, whisk. whiskmavMessage #371 - 06/04/10 05:29 PMI know you can, Virgil. The force is with you. Virgil SyonidMessage #372 - 06/04/10 07:21 PM(Solution to Problem 26)As Queen Beerwench pointed out, I didn't post the solution to problem 26. Beerwench indeed gets credit for 'tough' with her solution in #312. Many others claimed they couldn't see part B of the figure. I'm not sure why this is. Regardless, the following is the way to draw part B without causing any lines to intersect (and hence to earn the rank of 'GeenaMercile tough'): Part 4 of the problem (colleenz tough) turns out to be impossible. This was by design. Naturally, it's impossible to be colleenz tough.
|
|
Virgil Showlion
Distinguished Associate
Moderator
[b]leones potest resistere[/b]
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 15:19:33 GMT -5
Posts: 27,448
|
Post by Virgil Showlion on Dec 23, 2010 1:18:45 GMT -5
Virgil SyonidMessage #373 - 06/04/10 07:23 PM(Solution to Problem 30)Forsooth, nobody solved the special prize problem and the orphans will go hungry. There are three things to 'notice' that enable you to solve the puzzle: - If an EE'er sits on your stool before an EE'er sits on Beerwench's stool, you have a 0% chance of getting your stool.
- If any EE'er sits on Beerwench's stool before an EE'er sits on your stool, you have a 100% chance of getting your stool. This is because the people whose stools were taken form a kind of 'ring'. A sits in B, B sits in C, C sits in D, D sits in A, etc. If sombody sits in Beerwench's stool, it closes the ring. Hence nobody after that (including you) will lose their seat.
- At every step before either Beerwench's stool or your stool has been taken, each has exactly the same likelihood (50%) of being sat upon first.
Hence, there is a 1/2 (50%) chance you will not get your stool. (As long as there are more than 2 stools, the answer is always the same. I was hoping somebody would notice the 20, 15, 10, 5, and ask: Why not with 3? With 3 stools the answer is trivial.) Virgil SyonidMessage #374 - 06/04/10 07:32 PMProblem 31 - Who Wants to Be a Moddionaire!All MSN message board posters cherish and respect the MSN Code of Conduct, and Everything Elsers (EE'ers) especially so. Still, it never helps to touch up on the 'do's and 'don'ts' of message board conduct. And what better way to experience the thrill and prestige of modhood than to prove you've "got what it takes" to enforce the CoC! Five of the the following ten posts violate the MSN Code of Conduct. Which ones are they? 1. On the Politics and the Markets board:"lol. I am the government. Put your money in the bag, step away from the bag, and smile for the camera. " 2. On the Everything Else board:"Pfft...gin? Sounds all froofy and British. I thought by your screen name that you'd know what a real man drinks... That's right! Wacky umbrella drinks! " 3. On the Market Talk board:"Shipping container traffic has been surging while trailer traffic moved by rail has been declining this year. ... With the exception of intermodal, most commodity groups are still down when compared to the same time period in 2008 but up when compared to 2009. [ www.aar.org/NewsAndEvents/FreightRailTraffic/060310_RailTraffic.aspx] www.aar.org/NewsAndEvents/FreightRailTraffic/060310_RailTraffic.aspx" 4. On the Politics and the Market board:"Gold, guns and ammo man? I'll sit in for FisCan.... Guns and plenty of ammo baby!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! PS: note that the dems have already discussed wealth taxes on retirement savings." 5. On the Everything Else board:"What's to keep other critters out? Like skunks and snakes and lizards and raccoons and bear cubs and chipmunks and squirrels and voles and moles and rats and mice? I mean, it's not like you could post a sign next to it on the exterior that says "Cats Only" or "Dogs Only"...and even if you did that, supposing animals can read, what's to keep somebody else's cat or dog from wandering on in?" "A shot gun" 6. On the Market Talk board:"Gonna be a lot of hungry old people in Phoenix bitching." 7. On the Your Money board:"It's already been established by YOUR OWN original thread's POST that the floor mats in question in the CHP Officer's car were AFTER MARKET. And as I've already said, the officer- presumably a well-trained driver might have engaged in "long heavy braking" prior to the wreck, and who also apparently engaged in a 911 cell phone call, should have engaged the OFF switch. It was at LEAST 50% driver error." 8. On the Market Talk board:"I think Fluffy is done with asking nicely..." 9. On the Your Money board:"I wouldn't be surprised if these panhandlers fish empty water bottles out of the trash, and go into a restroom to rinse them out, refill them with tap water, and resell them for $1 a bottle. I would be very leery about buying a bottle of water from a panhandler and/or homeless person, because you wouldn't know where the water came from, let alone if the bottle was previously used and has someone else's germs on it...you wouldn't know it was a refilled bottle until you open the cap and find that the seal was already broken-a sure sign of a refilled bottle. Just another scam perpetrated by these ever-desperate panhandlers." 10. On the Start Investing board:"I posted this on an earlier Rovo thread (posted 4/2/09) explaining how I use these moving averages: Well, the old Supermodels threads are long gone where folks discussed various implementations of the Vic Lee signal, as, of course, is the original posting he made describing his implementation. The closest I can get nowadays is to quote Markman in his second book, ONLINE INVESTING second edition (sic)." Best of luck!
GeenaMercileMessage #376 - 06/08/10 10:35 AMOkay number 30 I solved Friday in the car but the answer was posted before I got home but understandable. I'm just not touching the Mod one.... Nope just can't see how that can be a good thing any which way whiskmavMessage #377 - 06/08/10 02:27 PM#369 Okay, here is the solution 1. Re8....after that its light out no matter what black does 2. Qg7 (if black plays Qxe8 or Qf8) or Qg8 (if black plays anything other than the queen)
|
|
Virgil Showlion
Distinguished Associate
Moderator
[b]leones potest resistere[/b]
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 15:19:33 GMT -5
Posts: 27,448
|
Post by Virgil Showlion on Dec 23, 2010 1:19:15 GMT -5
beerwench over 29000 bits of drivel postedMessage #378 - 06/08/10 02:55 PMFive of the the following ten posts violate the MSN Code of Conduct. Which ones are they?
Here are my guesses: 1 - no joking on P&M. Ever. 3 - no links 6 - swearing? 7 - repeatedly posting the same thing 8 - no pictures on MT. Ever. laterbloomerMessage #379 - 06/08/10 03:01 PM I can't be a Moddinaire!!! SlowbutSureMessage #380 - 06/08/10 03:06 PMWhy Later? Don't you know the answers? The answers are easy - there are 5 MT & P&M examples. They are all wrong! The EE examples may not necessarily follow the CoC, but we're too drunk to think they are anything but funny. The SI board is moderated by rovo and he won't let anything be wrong there. The YM board, well, they ARE perfect. beerwench over 29000 bits of drivel postedMessage #381 - 06/08/10 03:07 PMI knew the EE ones were fine because they are still around.
|
|
Virgil Showlion
Distinguished Associate
Moderator
[b]leones potest resistere[/b]
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 15:19:33 GMT -5
Posts: 27,448
|
Post by Virgil Showlion on Dec 23, 2010 1:19:44 GMT -5
Virgil SyonidMessage #382 - 06/10/10 03:11 AM(Solution to Problem 31)Some good attempts. But this was a trick question! Every single one of the posts violates the MSN Code of Conduct, and usually in several ways. - Misrepresents the source (US government) of the post. (Rule 3)
- Degrades a group of individuals (British citizens). (Rule 10)
Violates intellectual property laws. (Rule 5) Expresses vulgarity. (Rule 2)
- Provides an external link to a site violating the MSN CoC. Full details concerning the non-compliance of the link can be found in public records archive document ARC-9867-MFF-29377-2H. (Rule 4)
- Potentially misrepresents the source (FisCan) of the post. (Rule 3)
Promotes the purchase of firearms. (Rule 13)
- Advocates gratuitous violence. (Rule 2)
- Degrades a group of individuals (Arizona seniors). (Rule 10)
Expresses profanity. (Rule 2)
- Declaratively includes content similar to content already posted. (Rule 15)
Potentially violates national laws regarding harassment. (Rule 9)
- Depicts full nudity in a non-human form. (Rule 1)
Advocates gratuitous violence. (Rule 2) Violates intellectual property laws. (Rule 5) Potentially violates national laws regarding harassment. (Rule 9) Promotes the purchase and sale of firearms. (Rule 13)
- Degrades a group of individuals (panhandlers) on the basis of social status. (Rule 10)
Potentially incites others to intimidate a group of individuals (panhandlers) on the basis of social status. (Rule 10)
- Declaratively includes content similar to content already posted. (Rule 15)
Could be considered unsolicited commercial advertisement. (Rule 14)
The moral of the story: virtually all of the content on the MSN boards contravenes the CoC in some way. Moderators must therefore exercise the 'correct' amount of discretion, as full discretion lies with them. Virgil SyonidMessage #383 - 06/10/10 03:17 AMProblem 32 - Think You Can Beat Me?Let's play a game. We'll take turns calling out whole numbers. The first one to call out "50" is the winner. Here are the rules: - The starting player must call out a whole number between 1 and 10 inclusive.
- A new number called out must exceed the most recent number called by at least 1 and by no more than 10.
Do you want to go first, and if so, what is your strategy? SlowbutSureMessage #384 - 06/10/10 04:23 AMBut this was a trick question!
I OBJECT! The above post is against the CoC for the following reasons: 1. Virgil claimed that the above were rules (e.g., Rule 1). That misrepresented the source as these are prohibited uses NOT rules. Plus, he numbered the prohibited uses instead of calling them bullets. (Prohibited Use - third bullet). 2. For example #1, Virgil claimed that the OP was NOT the government and misrepresented himself. Unless Virgil stalked the OP and determined that he was not a member of the IRS, Congress or the President (which is Prohibited Use - tenth bullet), then again Virgil is misrepresented the source of information. (Prohibited Use - third bullet). 3. In example #3, Virgil claimed that the external link was against the COC (Prohibited Use - fourth bullet) without providing information on why that link was against the CoC and thus is defaming the organization who is responsible for that link. (Prohibited Use - tenth bullet). 4. In example #4, Virgil claimed that the example promoted the purchase of firearms. The example promoted the ownership, not the purchase, of firearms. (again, this meets Prohibited Use - third bullet). (I'm getting bored, so only a couple more). 5. By stating that the majority of posts on this forum are against the CoC, Virgil is attempting to impersonate a Microsoft moderator (albeit very poorly) (Prohibited Use - 12th bullet). If he wants to fight me on this one, then I will respond with he is also defaming the moderators by calling them slackers since they barely delete any posts or lock any threads. (Prohibited Use- tenth bullet). And last, but definitely not least, 6. Virgil violated Prohibited Use - sixth and tenth bullet ("is intended to harm or exploit minors in any way" and "intimidates an individual or group of individuals for any reason") since he lied to us and we all know that no one here has the maturity level higher than 13 years old! SO THERE! Neener, neener, neener.
|
|
Virgil Showlion
Distinguished Associate
Moderator
[b]leones potest resistere[/b]
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 15:19:33 GMT -5
Posts: 27,448
|
Post by Virgil Showlion on Dec 23, 2010 1:20:34 GMT -5
Virgil SyonidMessage #385 - 06/10/10 05:51 AMPlus, he numbered the prohibited uses instead of calling them bullets. SBS is clearly discriminating against 'numbers' as a legitimate form of bullet, going so far as to tacitly suggest that the numeric ethnicity is sub-bullet. SBS is therefore in direct violation of CoC enumerated entity #10. Unless Virgil stalked the OP and determined that he was not a member of the IRS, Congress or the President (which is Prohibited Use - tenth bullet), then again Virgil is misrepresented the source of information. Virgil did indeed obtain legally-authorized, NSA-certified intelligence validating the non-governmental affiliation of the OP. Furthermore, Department of Homeland Security wiretaps on the OP's phone and pet dog confirmed the falsity of the governmental affiliation claim. To suggest that Virgil did not act i) fully within legal specifications and ii) with sufficient duty of care, constitutes harassment under enumerated entity #9 in the CoC. Virgil claimed that the external link was against the COC (Prohibited Use - fourth bullet) without providing information on why that link was against the CoC The claim in question is followed by a reference to a notarized 115-page public domain report supplying all documented CoC violations in the external link. The claims by SBS that this reference material was not provided are patently false. As such, these claims constitute a violation of CoC enumerated entity #3. The example promoted the ownership, not the purchase, of firearms. An affidavit supplied by Dr. Nancy Hiro of the American Center for Literary Research confirms that the indicated post "exhibits unequivocally promotional characteristics vis a vis the purchase, ownership, and usage of firearms given putative linguistic norms". The criticism presented by SBS in this regard is therefore demonstrably false, and constitutes a second violation of CoC enumerated entity #3. By stating that the majority of posts on this forum are against the CoC, Virgil is attempting to impersonate a Microsoft moderator In the above statement, note an explicit suggestion that CoC infringement awareness is limited to forum moderators. As conduct on the MSN message boards is legally prescribed by the CoC and Microsoft· Live· EULA agreement for all users, the suggestion that MSN users--persons legally obligated to comply with these codes--may not be familiar with them is both malicious and absurd. The statement is therefore in direct violation of CoC enumerated entities #3 and #9. since he lied to us and we all know that no one here has the maturity level higher than 13 years old! SO THERE! Neener, neener, neener. As is clear in section 221 of the MSN extended CoC, legal challenges to CoC infringement claims are rendered null and void if followed by instigative statements such as " Neener, neener, neener." SGS therefore lacks sufficient grounds for appeal, regardless of the verity of claims made regarding maturity levels. SlowbutSureMessage #386 - 06/10/10 06:09 AMgoing so far as to tacitly suggest that the numeric ethnicity is sub-bullet. SBS is therefore in direct violation of CoC enumerated entity #10.
Nope, not tacit at all. I openly said that you were wrong and you continue to be wrong by using the numbers instead of MSN's legal format of bullets. Wait, are they supporting the purchase of firearms? SGS therefore lacks sufficient grounds Whose SGS? Another example of your wrongingness. Fine, do you want me to bring out another argument? My dad can beat up your dad! (SBS sticks out her tongue at Virgil.) beerwench over 29000 bits of drivel postedMessage #387 - 06/10/10 01:46 PMSo this is how wordsmiths have fun? Interesting..... Virgil SyonidMessage #388 - 06/10/10 03:57 PM(SBS sticks out her tongue at Virgil.) Virgil dabs wasabi on SBS's conveniently exposed tongue. Says: Pick a number (play game in #383 with me)... unless you're chicken. Braaaawk!
|
|
Virgil Showlion
Distinguished Associate
Moderator
[b]leones potest resistere[/b]
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 15:19:33 GMT -5
Posts: 27,448
|
Post by Virgil Showlion on Dec 23, 2010 1:21:03 GMT -5
beerwench over 29000 bits of drivel postedMessage #389 - 06/10/10 04:01 PMI don't think that I want to go first. You go ahead and start Virgil. Virgil SyonidMessage #390 - 06/10/10 04:10 PMI start with 4. SlowbutSureMessage #391 - 06/10/10 04:55 PMVirgil dabs wasabi on SBS's conveniently exposed tongue. That's all you would do with it? Boy, you need to hang out at EE more often. Wasabi - YUM! Pick a number (play game in #383 with me)...
But there were too many words in that post! Fine. BRB. ...unless you're chicken. Oh yeah... I know you are, but what am I? SlowbutSureMessage #392 - 06/10/10 05:05 PMI choose 13.
|
|
Virgil Showlion
Distinguished Associate
Moderator
[b]leones potest resistere[/b]
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 15:19:33 GMT -5
Posts: 27,448
|
Post by Virgil Showlion on Dec 23, 2010 1:21:33 GMT -5
Candy Cane ColleenzMessage #393 - 06/10/10 05:25 PMCan I play off of the 4? If so I choose 6. SlowbutSureMessage #394 - 06/10/10 05:31 PMNo, you have to play off the 13. Jiminy, can't you follow the rules? Candy Cane ColleenzMessage #395 - 06/10/10 05:38 PMRules? I thoiught there were no rules on EE OK - Off of the 13 I choose 17. IHearYou2Message #396 - 06/10/10 05:41 PMRules? I thoiught there were no rules on EE Off of the 17 I choose 50, game over, NEXT!
|
|
Virgil Showlion
Distinguished Associate
Moderator
[b]leones potest resistere[/b]
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 15:19:33 GMT -5
Posts: 27,448
|
Post by Virgil Showlion on Dec 23, 2010 1:22:23 GMT -5
SlowbutSureMessage #397 - 06/10/10 05:41 PMHey Colleen - Maybe if we post really, really fast, we can beat Virgil. 26 Candy Cane ColleenzMessage #398 - 06/10/10 05:57 PM IHOP - here is your prize From 26 I choose 28 SlowbutSureMessage #399 - 06/10/10 06:01 PM30 icbeckMessage #400 - 06/10/10 06:34 PM39
|
|
Virgil Showlion
Distinguished Associate
Moderator
[b]leones potest resistere[/b]
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 15:19:33 GMT -5
Posts: 27,448
|
Post by Virgil Showlion on Dec 23, 2010 1:22:52 GMT -5
icbeckMessage #401 - 06/10/10 07:34 PM Everyone is too chicken to go next because they know I've won. Virgil SyonidMessage #402 - 06/10/10 08:22 PM49 - and the winner has to buy us all beer. SlowbutSureMessage #403 - 06/10/10 08:25 PM51 (I didn't call out 50. ) beerwench over 29000 bits of drivel postedMessage #404 - 06/10/10 08:26 PMthe winner has to buy us all beer. Just like the "prize" when you get a hole in one.
|
|
Virgil Showlion
Distinguished Associate
Moderator
[b]leones potest resistere[/b]
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 15:19:33 GMT -5
Posts: 27,448
|
Post by Virgil Showlion on Dec 23, 2010 1:23:22 GMT -5
Candy Cane ColleenzMessage #405 - 06/10/10 08:45 PMJust like the "prize" when you get a hole in one. And after 34 pages....That's what she said. GameshowMessage #406 - 06/10/10 10:08 PMSpoiler alert I would go first and start with 6. Regardless what number the opponent chooses (7 - 16), I would make the following number (17). Regardless of the next number (18-27), my next number would be (28). Regardless of the next number (29-38) my next number would be (39). Opponents number would have to be between (40 - 49). Thus giving me a chance to be the first to say 50. -Ben famous3Message #407 - 06/11/10 04:51 AM Is the ball called a testations or something like that. Virgil SyonidMessage #408 - 06/11/10 06:33 PM(Solution to Problem 32)Gameshow gives the correct solution in post #406. For a much more challenging version of this game, try [ www.transience.com.au/pearl2.html] Pearls Before Swine II.
|
|
Virgil Showlion
Distinguished Associate
Moderator
[b]leones potest resistere[/b]
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 15:19:33 GMT -5
Posts: 27,448
|
Post by Virgil Showlion on Dec 23, 2010 1:24:12 GMT -5
Virgil SyonidMessage #409 - 06/11/10 06:34 PMProblem 33 - The Wayward CentipedeSuppose you are a hungry centipede (Scutigera coleoptrata) on the floor in the corner of a room that is a perfect cube, 10 meters to a side. In the exact opposite corner of the room (on the ceiling), you see a juicy bug to eat. Since you can't fly, you'll have to walk over the floors/walls/ceiling. And, being a particularly lazy centipede, you want to take the shortest path to get to the bug. If you take that path, how far do you have to travel to reach the bug? rovoMessage #410 - 06/11/10 06:46 PMSPOILER ALERT without giving thought to a lot of tricks I would just estimate the shortest path to be going diagonal across the room and then up the wall to the opposite corner. So, that would be about the square root of 200 or say about 14.14 meters and then the vertical of 10 meters for a total of about 24.14 meters. But, on the other hand, if I went to the center of the opposing wall and from there to the bug it might be shorter. That would be about 2X sqr root of (10**2 + 5**2) => 2 x sqr rt of (125) => 2 x 11.18 => 22.36 meters Oh and I just love to eat bugs. Yum. The easy way to analyze this is to unfold the box so it sits on the flat. Then the second answer above is readily apparent. Scottish_LassieMessage #411 - 06/11/10 07:19 PM25 Meters distance (since the centipede has to traverse floor, wall, ceiling): 5 meters to center of cube, turn 45 degrees either direction until facing one wall 5 meters to the facing wall 10 meters up wall to ceiling 5 meters across ceiling to bug. ___ 25 meters total distance to reach bug SlowbutSureMessage #412 - 06/11/10 07:20 PMrovo's answer should be rejected since he didn't say Spoiler Alert.
|
|
Virgil Showlion
Distinguished Associate
Moderator
[b]leones potest resistere[/b]
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 15:19:33 GMT -5
Posts: 27,448
|
Post by Virgil Showlion on Dec 23, 2010 1:24:41 GMT -5
rovoMessage #413 - 06/11/10 07:22 PMWhat is a spoiler alert? SlowbutSureMessage #414 - 06/11/10 07:25 PMWhat? You haven't read all 35 pages of this thread? Tsk, Tsk. When you give an answer, you're suppose to start off your post with the words "Spoiler Alert" so other people can play without seeing other people's answers. rovoMessage #415 - 06/11/10 07:29 PMOK. I added it to my post. I don't understand but I did as you say is the norm. I accept the "Tsk, Tsk" as I seldom stop on this thread. Bad rovo. SlowbutSureMessage #416 - 06/11/10 08:10 PMBad rovo. No, you have excellent timing! That was just one of the easier problems that Virgil has come up with (and I'm just jealous that you got to answer before I did.)
|
|
Virgil Showlion
Distinguished Associate
Moderator
[b]leones potest resistere[/b]
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 15:19:33 GMT -5
Posts: 27,448
|
Post by Virgil Showlion on Dec 23, 2010 1:25:14 GMT -5
rovoMessage #417 - 06/12/10 02:03 AMI won't play this game anymore. I'll check the thread for problems but I won't solve the puzzles. tall_guyMessage #418 - 06/12/10 10:23 PMBad rovo. I won't play this game anymore. I'll check the thread for problems but I won't solve the puzzles. You think that's bad? I read this thread the first time and the QUESTION was wrong. Quit after that.... Scottish_LassieMessage #420 - 06/13/10 01:11 AMThat was my first calculation, moonbeam. But in the problem's instructions, it says the centipede must cross floor, wall, AND ceiling - which I then included in my calculation to come to my answer in #411.
|
|
Virgil Showlion
Distinguished Associate
Moderator
[b]leones potest resistere[/b]
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 15:19:33 GMT -5
Posts: 27,448
|
Post by Virgil Showlion on Dec 23, 2010 1:26:01 GMT -5
SlowbutSureMessage #421 - 06/13/10 01:26 AMWell, if TG & rovo are so darn smart, how come they are moderators? rovoMessage #422 - 06/13/10 01:31 AMSo we can smite those that question us. Say a quick goodnight to all of your friends SBS. Smite button is warming up and will be useable in a few minutes. SlowbutSureMessage #423 - 06/13/10 01:32 AMYeah, you just want to ban me so I don't pick another stock for next week's game. You're tired of losing to me. rovoMessage #424 - 06/13/10 01:35 AM You're tired of losing to me. I'm just letting you win as the game would cease to exist if I was to win every week. I just throw out reasonable choices but keep my good plays close to the vest.
|
|
Virgil Showlion
Distinguished Associate
Moderator
[b]leones potest resistere[/b]
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 15:19:33 GMT -5
Posts: 27,448
|
Post by Virgil Showlion on Dec 23, 2010 1:26:30 GMT -5
|
|
Virgil Showlion
Distinguished Associate
Moderator
[b]leones potest resistere[/b]
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 15:19:33 GMT -5
Posts: 27,448
|
Post by Virgil Showlion on Dec 23, 2010 1:26:59 GMT -5
tall_guyMessage #429 - 06/13/10 01:47 AMtherefore, i say: 10 meters diagonally across the floor to the opposite corner 10 meters straight up to the bug 20 meters So you are effectively using the exact reasoning rovo did in the first part of #410, except that you are ignoring the fact that you would not be travelling the side of the 10-meter square, but instead the hypotenuse of the triangle bisecting the floor. SlowbutSureMessage #430 - 06/13/10 01:51 AMYou are not supposed to be reading my journal as it is private. Shhhwoops! (SBS wonders if rovo is going to lock up his journal or if he'll find a new hiding space for it.) SlowbutSureMessage #432 - 06/13/10 02:12 AMSo just how big and tasty is this bug? May I choose slightly less than rovo's 22.36 meters to accommodate for it being a little closer on one wall? I am assuming that since this bug is big, it too is also lazy and won't move while I travel to it.
|
|
Virgil Showlion
Distinguished Associate
Moderator
[b]leones potest resistere[/b]
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 15:19:33 GMT -5
Posts: 27,448
|
Post by Virgil Showlion on Dec 23, 2010 1:27:49 GMT -5
rovoMessage #433 - 06/13/10 02:14 AMSo, are you assuming my answer is correct? How about nearly correct as I didn't think about the bug actually having any actual physical size. tall_guyMessage #434 - 06/13/10 02:17 AMmath is NOT my strong suit.. i prefer the KISS method, tyvm.. As I recall, that particular method usually leads to an Mrs. degree, not a PhD. you two will give me nightmares of jr high stuff that i don't remember anymore and don't need in my daily life. Then my work here is done. rovoMessage #435 - 06/13/10 02:19 AMThen my work here is done. LOL SlowbutSureMessage #436 - 06/13/10 02:20 AMI didn't assume anything... I is smart too! Well, I didn't mention that I assumed that I was a petite centipede and not one of the larger ones (up to 30 cm according to wiki). If I was that large, I wouldn't be interested in a little bug, but would go after lizards, frogs, birds, etc.
|
|
Virgil Showlion
Distinguished Associate
Moderator
[b]leones potest resistere[/b]
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 15:19:33 GMT -5
Posts: 27,448
|
Post by Virgil Showlion on Dec 23, 2010 1:28:19 GMT -5
GeenaMercileMessage #438 - 06/13/10 03:08 AMSpoiler The shortest distance I have come up with is the same as ROVOs. From where you are at walk along a side wall at a 63.43 degree angle, then when you hit the next corner area you are now 5 meters up the wall, turn and walk again at a 63.43 angle until you hit the bug. Both times you will be walking 11.18 meters for a total of 22.36 meters. ETA--- After re-reading Rovo's I'm just saying the same thing as he did just in a different way. Virgil SyonidMessage #439 - 06/14/10 03:16 AM(Solution to Problem 33)Rovo indeed gives the correct solution (22.36 meters) in post #410. His rationale is also sound. Unfold the 3D room into a 2D cutout and the correct solution becomes apparent. Virgil SyonidMessage #440 - 06/14/10 03:19 AMProblem 34 - The Drink That Never Was (Gender-Corrected Version!)As part of the Temperance Society (suggested by Empire SB), an EE-wide drink-free day is mandated by the newly-appointed Secretary of Temperance (I'll let you guess who it is. ). "I guarantee you," the SoT says, "one weekday next week I will announce NO DRINKS ALLOWED." To add to the intrigue, the SoT adds, "I also guarantee you that you will not know which day the drink ban will occur until 9:00 AM on the day it is imposed." All of EE knows that the SoT means business. But SBS (one of the participating EE'ers) is a logician, and something doesn't add up. Because if SBS reaches Friday and the drink ban hasn't occurred, then SBS would know for sure that the ban must occur on Friday. But SBS would therefore know for sure on what day drinks would be banned well before 9:00 AM. So the ban can't occur on Friday. Now, if SBS hits Thursday and the ban hasn't occurred, since SBS knows it can't happen on Friday, it must happen on Thursday. But again, that would mean that SBS would know for sure what day the ban would occur well before 9:00 AM. So the ban also can't occur on Thursday. For the same reason, drinks can't be banned on Wednesday. ...Or Tuesday. ...Or Monday. So SBS concludes that the SoT was bluffing. No drinking ban will occur. However, on Tuesday of the next week, the SoT (true to his/her word) warns EE about the impending teetotaling at 9:01 AM and promptly BANS ALL DRINKS at 9:05 AM. Now... the SoT didn't lie. All of his/her statements were perfectly truthful. SBS's logic was flawless. She didn't make a logical error. And yet somehow she still ends up without a drink. How is this possible? tall_guyMessage #441 - 06/14/10 03:43 AMHey Virgil, would you e-mail me please. Thanks. Tall_guy - MSN Money Board Moderator [ mailto:tall__guy@live.com] tall__guy@live.com
|
|
Virgil Showlion
Distinguished Associate
Moderator
[b]leones potest resistere[/b]
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 15:19:33 GMT -5
Posts: 27,448
|
Post by Virgil Showlion on Dec 23, 2010 1:28:48 GMT -5
Occam's RazorMessage #442 - 06/14/10 04:51 AMSBS's logic was flawless. He didn't make a logical error.
Yes, he did. His logic only worked if the scenario went on until Thursday, because there was only one weekday left. There was no prohibition against smiting any other day, just a reduced number of choices as the week went along. tall_guyMessage #443 - 06/14/10 05:16 AMSBS's logic was flawless. He didn't make a logical error.
Yes, he did. His logic only worked if the scenario went on until Thursday, because there was only one weekday left. There was no prohibition against smiting any other day, just a reduced number of choices as the week went along. I will leave it to others to comment on your solution. My question for you is about something else. I hope you don't mind. Exactly how many names are you planning to be banned under? Three already? Should we try for four? Tall_guy - MSN Money Board Moderator SlowbutSureMessage #444 - 06/14/10 05:31 AMSBS knows Rovo means business. Nope, no way, no how. rovo won't smite me just to smite me. Besides, I can always look in his journal to figure out what day he was thinking about smiting me. After all, rovo's old and can't remember stuff like this. And yet somehow he still ends up smitten.
rovo already knows that I am smitten with him. (Virgil, I'm a she BTW.)
|
|
Virgil Showlion
Distinguished Associate
Moderator
[b]leones potest resistere[/b]
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 15:19:33 GMT -5
Posts: 27,448
|
Post by Virgil Showlion on Dec 23, 2010 1:29:41 GMT -5
GeenaMercileMessage #445 - 06/14/10 10:30 AMKeeping my mouth shut because I did this one before when I took a critical thinking class..... Although the version I did was a bit more.... final then a day of no drinking. SlowbutSureMessage #446 - 06/14/10 12:37 PMSBS's logic was flawless. She didn't make a logical error.
And yet somehow she still ends up without a drink.
You changed the problem from an impossibility to something that is totally possible. Now I'm too upset to write down the answer. Although somehow in someway, MM must be behind it! Virgil SyonidMessage #447 - 06/15/10 02:38 AM(Solution to Problem 34)No takers for this one? The solution is actually rather simple: the two statements by the SoT are paradoxical. Let A refer to 'it is guaranteed that the ban will take place'. Let B refer to 'it is guaranteed that the timing of the ban will remain unknown'. If SBS assumes A and B are true, this implies that A is false (since SBS concludes that no ban is possible). If SBS assumes A is false, then B is guaranteed to be true. And since the SoT does in fact implement the ban, A is true. Hence, two classic paradoxes: SBS's assumption about A will either be logically inconsistent or demonstrably wrong. Also, it turns out that the Secretary of Temperance is none other than... M Margarita!Whose hidden mission is to warn fellow EE'ers about the serious long-term effects of excessive alcohol consumption. Virgil SyonidMessage #448 - 06/15/10 02:40 AMProblem 35 - The Best Moneymaking SchemeSuppose I show you two envelopes. I tell you that they both contain money, and that one of the envelopes contains exactly twice the amount of money in the other one. Both envelopes are closed and you can't tell how much money is in each. I ask you to pick one of the two envelopes at random. Then I offer you the ability to open it and keep the cash inside, or to swap it for the other one. Now, suppose the envelope you're holding has X dollars in it. There's a 50% chance that you have the envelope with less cash, and hence that the other envelope has 2 X dollars in it. And there's a 50% chance that you have the envelope with more cash and hence the other envelope has X/2 dollars in it. You do a quick calculation and realize that the expected (average) amount of money in the envelope you didn't choose is: Y = 1/2 * (2 X) + 1/2 * ( X/2) = 5 X/4 or in other words, 25% greater than X. (For an example with numbers, if you assume the envelope you picked holds $100, then there's a 50% chance the other envelope holds $50, a 50% chance it holds $200, and so on average, the other envelope will hold $125.) You're therefore happy to make the swap. Now I offer you the opportunity to swap back. You think: there's a 50% chance the other envelope holds 2 Y dollars, and a 50% chance it holds Y/2 dollars, so again, you gain 25% on average by swapping back. Hence, if you swap the envelopes back and forth many, many times, the expected amount of money you earn goes to infinity. And if you don't believe me... why not?
|
|
Virgil Showlion
Distinguished Associate
Moderator
[b]leones potest resistere[/b]
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 15:19:33 GMT -5
Posts: 27,448
|
Post by Virgil Showlion on Dec 23, 2010 1:30:08 GMT -5
SlowbutSureMessage #449 - 06/15/10 02:44 AMI knew it! MM was totally behind it! Although, Virgil, she's not gonna be happy that you called her 43. Candy Cane ColleenzMessage #450 - 06/15/10 12:20 PMThis sounds like the math behind credit default swaps. There is no probability about the second envelope. It contains either exactly 2X or exactley X/2. beerwench over 29000 bits of drivel postedMessage #451 - 06/15/10 01:35 PMSuppose I show you two envelopes. I tell you that they both contain money, and that one of the envelopes contains exactly twice the amount of money in the other one. Both envelopes are closed and you can't tell how much money is in each.
I ask you to pick one of the two envelopes at random.
Then I offer you the ability to open it and keep the cash inside, or to swap it for the other one.
Now, suppose the envelope you're holding has X dollars in it. There's a 50% chance that you have the envelope with less cash, and hence that the other envelope has 2X dollars in it. And there's a 50% chance that you have the envelope with more cash and hence the other envelope has X/2 dollars in it.
You do a quick calculation and realize that the expected (average) amount of money in the envelope you didn't choose is:
Y = 1/2 * (2X) + 1/2 * (X/2) = 5X/4
or in other words, 25% greater than X.
(For an example with numbers, if you assume the envelope you picked holds $100, then there's a 50% chance the other envelope holds $50, a 50% chance it holds $200, and so on average, the other envelope will hold $125.)
You're therefore happy to make the swap.
Now I offer you the opportunity to swap back.
You think: there's a 50% chance the other envelope holds 2Y dollars, and a 50% chance it holds Y/2 dollars, so again, you gain 25% on average by swapping back.
Hence, if you swap the envelopes back and forth many, many times, the expected amount of money you earn goes to infinity.
They were both poisoned. I spent the last few years building up an immunity to iocane powder. SlowbutSureMessage #452 - 06/15/10 02:44 PMINCONCEIVABLE!
|
|
Virgil Showlion
Distinguished Associate
Moderator
[b]leones potest resistere[/b]
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 15:19:33 GMT -5
Posts: 27,448
|
Post by Virgil Showlion on Dec 23, 2010 1:30:37 GMT -5
Virgil SyonidMessage #453 - 06/15/10 03:41 PMThis sounds like the math behind credit default swaps. It's precisely the math behind CDSs. I recommend all EE'ers head to Market Talk for an article that ReverendBarb posted today about your money paying for derivatives. There is no probability about the second envelope. It contains either exactly 2X or exactley X/2. Correct. But if the envelope you hold contains $100 and the other one contains either $50 or $200, you'd do the swap, right? INCONCEIVABLE! You goofs! Solve the problem or I'll hunt down your favourite threads and post unsettling medical facts about drinking and horrific images of alcohol-pickled brains... hourly! SlowbutSureMessage #454 - 06/15/10 03:43 PMI'll hunt down your favourite threads and post ... hourly! What are you? Canadian? Canadians don't work that hard. Virgil SyonidMessage #455 - 06/15/10 03:49 PMCanadians don't work that hard. We do if the goal is to cheese off Americans. Virgil SyonidMessage #456 - 06/15/10 03:52 PM"Annually, more than 100,000 deaths in the U.S. alone are caused by excessive alcohol consumption." - www.learn-about-alcoholism.com
|
|
Virgil Showlion
Distinguished Associate
Moderator
[b]leones potest resistere[/b]
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 15:19:33 GMT -5
Posts: 27,448
|
Post by Virgil Showlion on Dec 23, 2010 1:37:00 GMT -5
Candy Cane ColleenzMessage #457 - 06/15/10 03:54 PMCorrect. But if the envelope you hold contains $100 and the other one contains either $50 or $200, you'd do the swap, right?
Sure if I get to look into the envelope first, but only because Now I offer you the opportunity to swap back.
So I get a minimum of $100. If I do not get to look in the envelope and have the option to swap back there is no advantage or disadvantage to choosing one at random. Is MU free yet? Virgil SyonidMessage #458 - 06/15/10 04:00 PMIf I do not get to look in the envelope and have the option to swap back there is no advantage or disadvantage to choosing one at random. Well, innately we know this is true. But the problem is that the math predicts swapping the envelope will get us more money. So the problem is debunking the math. Incidentally, if I gave you $100, told you that you could spend it to spin a black/red wheel where black meant you got $50 back and red meant you got $200 back, each with 50% probability, I would hope you'd spin the wheel! SlowbutSureMessage #459 - 06/15/10 04:05 PMIf I do not get to look in the envelope and have the option to swap back there is no advantage or disadvantage to choosing one at random. Sure there is! You could cheese off a Canadian. BTW, we all know that the money doesn't magically increase in the envelope just because we are swapping envelopes. That's like saying I still have money in my checking account because I have more checks. Oh, wait... I'm an American! This is how we run our economy. Virgil SyonidMessage #460 - 06/15/10 04:36 PMYou could cheese off a Canadian. This means war! Let's see how you hold up when 28,000 jet-pack beavers rain down fiery destruction on your major cities!
|
|
Virgil Showlion
Distinguished Associate
Moderator
[b]leones potest resistere[/b]
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 15:19:33 GMT -5
Posts: 27,448
|
Post by Virgil Showlion on Dec 23, 2010 1:37:30 GMT -5
beerwench over 29000 bits of drivel postedMessage #461 - 06/15/10 05:37 PMI'm not worried (mostly because I don't live in a major city ). SlowbutSureMessage #462 - 06/15/10 05:41 PMBeer! Use your foreign diplomatic skills. After all, can't you see Canada from your house? (Virgil - It's been more than an hour since I've seen the latest alcohol is bad fact. Told you Canadians don't work that hard.) beerwench over 29000 bits of drivel postedMessage #463 - 06/15/10 05:43 PMAfter all, can't you see Canada from your house? Maybe from the roof. With a telescope...... Virgil SyonidMessage #464 - 06/15/10 06:19 PMTold you Canadians don't work that hard. Why send out medical facts to the guys you're wiping out with jetpack beavers? Work smarter, not harder.
|
|
Virgil Showlion
Distinguished Associate
Moderator
[b]leones potest resistere[/b]
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 15:19:33 GMT -5
Posts: 27,448
|
Post by Virgil Showlion on Dec 23, 2010 1:38:00 GMT -5
Candy Cane ColleenzMessage #465 - 06/15/10 06:19 PMIncidentally, if I gave you $100, told you that you could spend it to spin a black/red wheel where black meant you got $50 back and red meant you got $200 back, each with 50% probability, I would hope you'd spin the wheel!
Sure, hopefully I have a bunch of $100's to play with. That was not the original game though. An analogy would be asking me to spin a wheel where half the spaces are $100, and the other half are covered up. The rest of the spaces are either ALL $50 or ALL $200 - not a mix. Virgil SyonidMessage #466 - 06/16/10 03:22 AM(Solution to Problem 35)A few noble attempts, but no correct solutions. The answer is, of course, that swapping the envelopes will increase your expected earnings by 25%. This works because the amount of money in the envelopes is unknown. If the amount of money becomes known at any time, swapping envelopes will alternate between increasing and decreasing the amount of money. As an example, to increase the money by a factor of ten, you should swap the envelopes n = 1/log10(1.25) ~= 10.3 --> 11 times. The reason you can't create an infinite amount of money is that the probability of discovering the amount of money in either envelope also grows exponentially as the number of swaps. This is a more challenging problem to solve, but it turns out the average number of 'successful' swaps is usually much less than 10. Virgil SyonidMessage #467 - 06/16/10 03:24 AMProblem 36 - Monty Hall Problem...? Suppose you're sitting in class looking at a multiple choice question with three answers: A, B and C. You have no clue what the correct answer is. You guess 'B'. Just before the exam finishes, the teacher announces that answer 'C' is definitely incorrect. Should you switch your answer to 'A', leave it as 'B', or does it matter? SlowbutSureMessage #468 - 06/16/10 03:27 AMSPOILER ALERT See Post #59. Thanks for the new jacket Virgil!
|
|