10001110100110101
Dang, that one was too easy. I'm also inclined to agree that it was a bit on the less interesting side. Here was the solution for this problem:
The reason the census taker could not figure out the childrens ages is because, even with knowing the number on the house next door there were still two possibilities. The only way that the product could be 36 and still leave two possibilities is if the sum equals 13. These possibilities being 9+2+2 and 6+6+1. When the home owner stated that her "Oldest" child is sleeping she was giving ths census taker the fact that there is an "oldest." The childrens ages are 9, 2, & 2.
So Laz wins again! This teaser I got from brain-teaser.com. Most of the teasers are bland, and some are just dumb. Some are okay though. Just because this was so quick, I'll post another easy question.
Err.. I can't remember where I got it from but I think it went something like this:
You are on an island called Heck, because it's about a hectare in size. Anyway, you went to visit this island because of a fabled hundred foot tower. It is known as the Tower of Heck and it stands somewhere in the middle of the island and is revered by all of the inhabitants. Being the first time to Heck, you have no idea where the tower is. Fortunately, all of the inhabitants are well aware of the location of the tower are are willing to help you. There is a catch unfortunately.
There are three different types of people who live on the island, and they all look the same. The first type of person always lies. The second type of person always tells the truth, unless the previous Hecker lied. Finally, the third type of Hecker always tells the truth unless the previous answer was the truth. You come across three Heckers but are in a rush so you only have time to ask two questions. How will you find out the location of the Tower of Heck?
Hope this is a little more interesting.
Tuesday, May 16, 2000 at 20:39:52 (UTC)
Maybe I am not getting it, but how can the tower be said to be "in the centre of the island" and its location still remain unknown to the visitor? Is the island so big that the visitor doesn't know which direction is "the centre" (presuming he's not right at the coastline)?
If the expected information isn't just "North" or "South" or whatever, what kind of directions would they be?
Well, I'll get back to work (paying work) and see if something occurs to me, or if [QYV] clarifies...
The Lesbian AND Gate<e-mail>
Tuesday, May 16, 2000 at 21:17:32 (UTC)
Two things need clarification:
1- Do the natives know each other? ie, does the first native you ask know what the second native will answer?
2- Among the three natives, could there be an instance where they are all (unconditional) liars? ie, might there be two (or three) of the same variety of liar?
Finally, unless you're restricted to one-element answers from the natives (things like "Yes", "No", "North"), then you can find the way simply by asking
"What _ISN'T_ the way to the tower?"
The liars would have to answer North (or whatever the real answer was), while the truth tellers have to answer in a three-element way ("East, West and South") -- thus revealing their truth-telling.
answer me, damn you! <e-mail>
Tuesday, May 16, 2000 at 22:45:53 (UTC)
I beg to differ about the census taker solution...
What is wrong with the solution: 3,3,4?
o Product: 36
o Sum: 13 (no information gained by knowing the neighbours street number)
o Only one eldest child (hence the singular).
o Eldest child is 4 (a much more appropriate age for taking mid-day naps). Besides how many 9 years do you know that take naps during the day ?
Take that Lazarius [sic]
SQOTD:
"... Oh a sarcasm detector - what a useful invention... "
<detector beeps wildly>
"Whoa this baby's off the chart!"
<detector explodes>
weirD <e-mail>
Tuesday, May 16, 2000 at 23:46:17 (UTC)
Lazarius? I didn't say anything about Lazarius!
Anyway, I, Lazarius say that 3+3+4 does not equal 13. Those who do can challenge me to counterstrike.
QYV - I'll have a solution to the second question soon.. gimme an hour or so.
Dr. Hwansworth
Wednesday, May 17, 2000 at 02:19:56 (UTC)
I've spent MUCH too much time on this problem. I've come up with something, but I don't know if it's the right answer.. haven't checked it.
Anyway, here it is. If it's wrong, hopefully it'll give someone a clue as to what the right answer is.
Consider:
A - liar
B - only lies if hears lie previously
C - only lies if hears truth previously
Q1 - "After this question, who will lie?"
i) A will say C (lie)
ii) B will say A (truth)
iii) C will say A (truth)
Q2 - "Which way will he say the Tower isn't?"
i) Asking A while pointing at B will give the right direction
ii) Asking B while pointing at C will give the right direction
ii) Asking C while pointing at B will give the right direction
So, ask Q1. Then ask Q2 to the person you asked Q1 while pointing to the person that they didn't point to (not themselves) - they will point out the correct direction.
Confusing? Yes. Right? Maybe. All I know is, I want to play counterstrike. Bye.
Dr. Hwansworth
Wednesday, May 17, 2000 at 16:52:49 (UTC)
Addendum : In the first question, the native can only choose from one of the other two natives, not himself (or else C could choose himself and be right).
Also, I suppose I should rephrase Q2 as "After this question, which way will he say the Tower isn't?"
Dr. Hwansworth