Aliens have invaded earth and captured a number of scientists and you happen to be one of them. The aliens take you to their planet and discover that you are not as intelligent as they might have thought. To try and prove this wrong, their leading scientists decides that you'll be left with the option to decide your own fate. You are all lined up in a queue stepping on some boards on top of a deep gorge with volcanic magma at the bottom. Each board has a light that is either green or blue when lit. You can see the lights of all people ahead of you but you cant see your own light. You are then told to guess the color of your light. If you are wrong, your board breaks and you fall into the magma and die painfully. You are given sometime to discuss with your friends how to choose who dies. What is the maximum number of people that you can save? -- Solomon Kariri, Software Developer, Cell: +254736 729 450 Skype: solomonkariri
I'd say everyone minus one guy. We could simply agree to tell the guy in front the color of the board he's stepping on, but the last guy in the queue is out of luck :) This assumes you can communicate with the guy in front of you while in the queue, and that it is not disallowed.
You might be able to save them all. Nothing indicates you're not allowed to look back. Second one looks at first light and tells him, till the last one where the second last looks back and sees the last light, tells him. Alternatively, considering you're on top of a gorge ,is it possible there's an angle of curvature? if your line is long enough, you could probably have the first one see the last light. On Fri, Oct 21, 2011 at 12:09 AM, Haggai Nyang <haggai.nyang@gmail.com>wrote:
I'd say everyone minus one guy. We could simply agree to tell the guy in front the color of the board he's stepping on, but the last guy in the queue is out of luck :)
This assumes you can communicate with the guy in front of you while in the queue, and that it is not disallowed.
_______________________________________________ Skunkworks mailing list Skunkworks@lists.my.co.ke http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks ------------ Skunkworks Rules http://my.co.ke/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=94 ------------ Other services @ http://my.co.ke
-- get to know more about me. *http://about.me/rahiminkara * this list is being *watched.*
Why would the aliens do such a horrible thing in the first place?
9 guys are assured of rescue. 1 guy has a 0.5 probability of getting rescued.
*2011/10/21 Tony Likhanga <tlikhanga@gmail.com> *
*9 guys are assured of rescue. 1 guy has a 0.5 probability of getting rescued. *
Looking at my statement, I realize that I set my own quiz & gave my correct answer [?][?][?] My assumption was that 10 earthlings are involved here. (Just as in the mwax I hold) [?][?][?]
Ok First of all, you are not allowed to communicate, otherwise there would be no test. Also the aliens start with the the guy at the rear of the queue, so he can only see the ones in front. All you are allowed to do is say the color out loud and if its wrong, the others here you going down to kiss the magma. @Haggai, your argument is wrong. And since its a for all assertion I can disapprove it with a counter example. Assume there are 5 guys with the colors RBRBR So the first guy says B which is the color of the guy in front and he dies, the guy in front has B but the one in front of him has R so if he says R he dies, if he says B he lives, but the guy in front of him will die since he will think the guy behind him said what his color was. Since I have proven a case where more then two guys die, actually more, you approach is not valid and requires rethinking. @Everyone please describe how you came up with your answer. Also. not that the question here is can save, not might save. Anyone with a <1 probability of surviving cannot be counted to have survived. On Fri, Oct 21, 2011 at 10:11 AM, Tony Likhanga <tlikhanga@gmail.com> wrote:
*2011/10/21 Tony Likhanga <tlikhanga@gmail.com> *
*9 guys are assured of rescue. 1 guy has a 0.5 probability of getting rescued. *
Looking at my statement, I realize that I set my own quiz & gave my correct answer [?][?][?] My assumption was that 10 earthlings are involved here. (Just as in the mwax I hold) [?][?][?]
_______________________________________________ Skunkworks mailing list Skunkworks@lists.my.co.ke http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks ------------ Skunkworks Rules http://my.co.ke/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=94 ------------ Other services @ http://my.co.ke
-- Solomon Kariri, Software Developer, Cell: +254736 729 450 Skype: solomonkariri
But why would aliens invade Kenya, si normally its only the west :) On Fri, Oct 21, 2011 at 10:45 AM, solomon kariri <solomonkariri@gmail.com>wrote:
Ok First of all, you are not allowed to communicate, otherwise there would be no test. Also the aliens start with the the guy at the rear of the queue, so he can only see the ones in front. All you are allowed to do is say the color out loud and if its wrong, the others here you going down to kiss the magma. @Haggai, your argument is wrong. And since its a for all assertion I can disapprove it with a counter example. Assume there are 5 guys with the colors RBRBR So the first guy says B which is the color of the guy in front and he dies, the guy in front has B but the one in front of him has R so if he says R he dies, if he says B he lives, but the guy in front of him will die since he will think the guy behind him said what his color was. Since I have proven a case where more then two guys die, actually more, you approach is not valid and requires rethinking. @Everyone please describe how you came up with your answer. Also. not that the question here is can save, not might save. Anyone with a <1 probability of surviving cannot be counted to have survived.
On Fri, Oct 21, 2011 at 10:11 AM, Tony Likhanga <tlikhanga@gmail.com>wrote:
*2011/10/21 Tony Likhanga <tlikhanga@gmail.com> *
*9 guys are assured of rescue. 1 guy has a 0.5 probability of getting rescued. *
Looking at my statement, I realize that I set my own quiz & gave my correct answer [?][?][?] My assumption was that 10 earthlings are involved here. (Just as in the mwax I hold) [?][?][?]
_______________________________________________ Skunkworks mailing list Skunkworks@lists.my.co.ke http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks ------------ Skunkworks Rules http://my.co.ke/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=94 ------------ Other services @ http://my.co.ke
-- Solomon Kariri,
Software Developer, Cell: +254736 729 450 Skype: solomonkariri
_______________________________________________ Skunkworks mailing list Skunkworks@lists.my.co.ke http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks ------------ Skunkworks Rules http://my.co.ke/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=94 ------------ Other services @ http://my.co.ke
I said aliens invaded earth, I never mentioned Kenya anywhere. Its a logical problem. The goal is to bring out the problem, not go to the specifics of where and what. I could have used bacteria as well, only that I don't understand a lot about their lifestyle :D On Fri, Oct 21, 2011 at 10:51 AM, Brian Mang'oli <brayous@gmail.com> wrote:
But why would aliens invade Kenya, si normally its only the west :)
On Fri, Oct 21, 2011 at 10:45 AM, solomon kariri <solomonkariri@gmail.com>wrote:
Ok First of all, you are not allowed to communicate, otherwise there would be no test. Also the aliens start with the the guy at the rear of the queue, so he can only see the ones in front. All you are allowed to do is say the color out loud and if its wrong, the others here you going down to kiss the magma. @Haggai, your argument is wrong. And since its a for all assertion I can disapprove it with a counter example. Assume there are 5 guys with the colors RBRBR So the first guy says B which is the color of the guy in front and he dies, the guy in front has B but the one in front of him has R so if he says R he dies, if he says B he lives, but the guy in front of him will die since he will think the guy behind him said what his color was. Since I have proven a case where more then two guys die, actually more, you approach is not valid and requires rethinking. @Everyone please describe how you came up with your answer. Also. not that the question here is can save, not might save. Anyone with a <1 probability of surviving cannot be counted to have survived.
On Fri, Oct 21, 2011 at 10:11 AM, Tony Likhanga <tlikhanga@gmail.com>wrote:
*2011/10/21 Tony Likhanga <tlikhanga@gmail.com> *
*9 guys are assured of rescue. 1 guy has a 0.5 probability of getting rescued. *
Looking at my statement, I realize that I set my own quiz & gave my correct answer [?][?][?] My assumption was that 10 earthlings are involved here. (Just as in the mwax I hold) [?][?][?]
_______________________________________________ Skunkworks mailing list Skunkworks@lists.my.co.ke http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks ------------ Skunkworks Rules http://my.co.ke/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=94 ------------ Other services @ http://my.co.ke
-- Solomon Kariri,
Software Developer, Cell: +254736 729 450 Skype: solomonkariri
_______________________________________________ Skunkworks mailing list Skunkworks@lists.my.co.ke http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks ------------ Skunkworks Rules http://my.co.ke/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=94 ------------ Other services @ http://my.co.ke
_______________________________________________ Skunkworks mailing list Skunkworks@lists.my.co.ke http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks ------------ Skunkworks Rules http://my.co.ke/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=94 ------------ Other services @ http://my.co.ke
-- Solomon Kariri, Software Developer, Cell: +254736 729 450 Skype: solomonkariri
You can save everyone.. Just pee and watch the reflection since the only thing you cant see is what you are stepping on. /Bonz On Fri, Oct 21, 2011 at 11:01 AM, solomon kariri <solomonkariri@gmail.com>wrote:
I said aliens invaded earth, I never mentioned Kenya anywhere. Its a logical problem. The goal is to bring out the problem, not go to the specifics of where and what. I could have used bacteria as well, only that I don't understand a lot about their lifestyle :D
On Fri, Oct 21, 2011 at 10:51 AM, Brian Mang'oli <brayous@gmail.com>wrote:
But why would aliens invade Kenya, si normally its only the west :)
On Fri, Oct 21, 2011 at 10:45 AM, solomon kariri <solomonkariri@gmail.com
wrote:
Ok First of all, you are not allowed to communicate, otherwise there would be no test. Also the aliens start with the the guy at the rear of the queue, so he can only see the ones in front. All you are allowed to do is say the color out loud and if its wrong, the others here you going down to kiss the magma. @Haggai, your argument is wrong. And since its a for all assertion I can disapprove it with a counter example. Assume there are 5 guys with the colors RBRBR So the first guy says B which is the color of the guy in front and he dies, the guy in front has B but the one in front of him has R so if he says R he dies, if he says B he lives, but the guy in front of him will die since he will think the guy behind him said what his color was. Since I have proven a case where more then two guys die, actually more, you approach is not valid and requires rethinking. @Everyone please describe how you came up with your answer. Also. not that the question here is can save, not might save. Anyone with a <1 probability of surviving cannot be counted to have survived.
On Fri, Oct 21, 2011 at 10:11 AM, Tony Likhanga <tlikhanga@gmail.com>wrote:
*2011/10/21 Tony Likhanga <tlikhanga@gmail.com> *
*9 guys are assured of rescue. 1 guy has a 0.5 probability of getting rescued. *
Looking at my statement, I realize that I set my own quiz & gave my correct answer [?][?][?] My assumption was that 10 earthlings are involved here. (Just as in the mwax I hold) [?][?][?]
_______________________________________________ Skunkworks mailing list Skunkworks@lists.my.co.ke http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks ------------ Skunkworks Rules http://my.co.ke/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=94 ------------ Other services @ http://my.co.ke
-- Solomon Kariri,
Software Developer, Cell: +254736 729 450 Skype: solomonkariri
_______________________________________________ Skunkworks mailing list Skunkworks@lists.my.co.ke http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks ------------ Skunkworks Rules http://my.co.ke/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=94 ------------ Other services @ http://my.co.ke
_______________________________________________ Skunkworks mailing list Skunkworks@lists.my.co.ke http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks ------------ Skunkworks Rules http://my.co.ke/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=94 ------------ Other services @ http://my.co.ke
-- Solomon Kariri,
Software Developer, Cell: +254736 729 450 Skype: solomonkariri
_______________________________________________ Skunkworks mailing list Skunkworks@lists.my.co.ke http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks ------------ Skunkworks Rules http://my.co.ke/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=94 ------------ Other services @ http://my.co.ke
If the Aliens have eyes then you tell you friends to tell the aliens to stand in front of them and using the aliens eye as a mirror u can tell which button to press from the first guy. so to me I will loose only the first guy if he dint find it right because he is the determinant On Fri, Oct 21, 2011 at 12:51 PM, Boniface <mboteb@gmail.com> wrote:
You can save everyone.. Just pee and watch the reflection since the only thing you cant see is what you are stepping on.
/Bonz
On Fri, Oct 21, 2011 at 11:01 AM, solomon kariri <solomonkariri@gmail.com>wrote:
I said aliens invaded earth, I never mentioned Kenya anywhere. Its a logical problem. The goal is to bring out the problem, not go to the specifics of where and what. I could have used bacteria as well, only that I don't understand a lot about their lifestyle :D
On Fri, Oct 21, 2011 at 10:51 AM, Brian Mang'oli <brayous@gmail.com>wrote:
But why would aliens invade Kenya, si normally its only the west :)
On Fri, Oct 21, 2011 at 10:45 AM, solomon kariri < solomonkariri@gmail.com> wrote:
Ok First of all, you are not allowed to communicate, otherwise there would be no test. Also the aliens start with the the guy at the rear of the queue, so he can only see the ones in front. All you are allowed to do is say the color out loud and if its wrong, the others here you going down to kiss the magma. @Haggai, your argument is wrong. And since its a for all assertion I can disapprove it with a counter example. Assume there are 5 guys with the colors RBRBR So the first guy says B which is the color of the guy in front and he dies, the guy in front has B but the one in front of him has R so if he says R he dies, if he says B he lives, but the guy in front of him will die since he will think the guy behind him said what his color was. Since I have proven a case where more then two guys die, actually more, you approach is not valid and requires rethinking. @Everyone please describe how you came up with your answer. Also. not that the question here is can save, not might save. Anyone with a <1 probability of surviving cannot be counted to have survived.
On Fri, Oct 21, 2011 at 10:11 AM, Tony Likhanga <tlikhanga@gmail.com>wrote:
*2011/10/21 Tony Likhanga <tlikhanga@gmail.com> *
*9 guys are assured of rescue. 1 guy has a 0.5 probability of getting rescued. *
Looking at my statement, I realize that I set my own quiz & gave my correct answer [?][?][?] My assumption was that 10 earthlings are involved here. (Just as in the mwax I hold) [?][?][?]
_______________________________________________ Skunkworks mailing list Skunkworks@lists.my.co.ke http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks ------------ Skunkworks Rules http://my.co.ke/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=94 ------------ Other services @ http://my.co.ke
-- Solomon Kariri,
Software Developer, Cell: +254736 729 450 Skype: solomonkariri
_______________________________________________ Skunkworks mailing list Skunkworks@lists.my.co.ke http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks ------------ Skunkworks Rules http://my.co.ke/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=94 ------------ Other services @ http://my.co.ke
_______________________________________________ Skunkworks mailing list Skunkworks@lists.my.co.ke http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks ------------ Skunkworks Rules http://my.co.ke/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=94 ------------ Other services @ http://my.co.ke
-- Solomon Kariri,
Software Developer, Cell: +254736 729 450 Skype: solomonkariri
_______________________________________________ Skunkworks mailing list Skunkworks@lists.my.co.ke http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks ------------ Skunkworks Rules http://my.co.ke/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=94 ------------ Other services @ http://my.co.ke
_______________________________________________ Skunkworks mailing list Skunkworks@lists.my.co.ke http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks ------------ Skunkworks Rules http://my.co.ke/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=94 ------------ Other services @ http://my.co.ke
-- MICHAEL A. AKUNGA (+254) 0726 174 815 michaelakunga@gmail.com michaelakunga@yahoo.com
This is a variation of the famous Prisoners and Hats problem: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prisoners_and_hats_puzzle
@Solomon. Not clear. Explain "You are given sometime to discuss with your friends how to choose who dies" I though you said they die on wrong answer? Rgds Sm ________________________________ From: solomon kariri <solomonkariri@gmail.com> To: Skunkworks forum <skunkworks@lists.my.co.ke> Sent: Thursday, October 20, 2011 10:10 PM Subject: [Skunkworks] How many can you save Aliens have invaded earth and captured a number of scientists and you happen to be one of them. The aliens take you to their planet and discover that you are not as intelligent as they might have thought. To try and prove this wrong, their leading scientists decides that you'll be left with the option to decide your own fate. You are all lined up in a queue stepping on some boards on top of a deep gorge with volcanic magma at the bottom. Each board has a light that is either green or blue when lit. You can see the lights of all people ahead of you but you cant see your own light. You are then told to guess the color of your light. If you are wrong, your board breaks and you fall into the magma and die painfully. You are given sometime to discuss with your friends how to choose who dies. What is the maximum number of people that you can save? -- Solomon Kariri, Software Developer, Cell: +254736 729 450 Skype: solomonkariri _______________________________________________ Skunkworks mailing list Skunkworks@lists.my.co.ke http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks ------------ Skunkworks Rules http://my.co.ke/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=94 ------------ Other services @ http://my.co.ke
@Shandrack, Yes you do die when you give a wrong answer. But you can make agreements in such a away that you will maximize the number of people who give the right answer using your intelligence. On Fri, Oct 21, 2011 at 2:11 PM, Shadrack Mwaniki < shadrack_mwaniki@yahoo.com> wrote:
@Solomon. Not clear. Explain "You are given sometime to discuss with your friends how to choose who dies" I though you said they die on wrong answer?
Rgds Sm
------------------------------ *From:* solomon kariri <solomonkariri@gmail.com> *To:* Skunkworks forum <skunkworks@lists.my.co.ke> *Sent:* Thursday, October 20, 2011 10:10 PM *Subject:* [Skunkworks] How many can you save
Aliens have invaded earth and captured a number of scientists and you happen to be one of them. The aliens take you to their planet and discover that you are not as intelligent as they might have thought. To try and prove this wrong, their leading scientists decides that you'll be left with the option to decide your own fate. You are all lined up in a queue stepping on some boards on top of a deep gorge with volcanic magma at the bottom. Each board has a light that is either green or blue when lit. You can see the lights of all people ahead of you but you cant see your own light. You are then told to guess the color of your light. If you are wrong, your board breaks and you fall into the magma and die painfully. You are given sometime to discuss with your friends how to choose who dies. What is the maximum number of people that you can save?
-- Solomon Kariri,
Software Developer, Cell: +254736 729 450 Skype: solomonkariri
_______________________________________________ Skunkworks mailing list Skunkworks@lists.my.co.ke http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks ------------ Skunkworks Rules http://my.co.ke/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=94 ------------ Other services @ http://my.co.ke
_______________________________________________ Skunkworks mailing list Skunkworks@lists.my.co.ke http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks ------------ Skunkworks Rules http://my.co.ke/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=94 ------------ Other services @ http://my.co.ke
-- Solomon Kariri, Software Developer, Cell: +254736 729 450 Skype: solomonkariri
Ok, folks. Allow me to un-leash the mwax I used. http://www.khanacademy.org/video/alien-abduction-brain-teaser?playlist=Brain... Shoot me!
If they're ten. Save 9 loose 1. Here's how. Last one says: "The light under me is unlike the blue light under the guy infront of me, it's Green." This being that if his light isn't green, he's dead, if it's green, he's not. But he's disclosed the blue light infront of him. * W.* On Fri, Oct 21, 2011 at 2:48 PM, Tony Likhanga <tlikhanga@gmail.com> wrote:
Ok, folks.
Allow me to un-leash the mwax I used.
http://www.khanacademy.org/video/alien-abduction-brain-teaser?playlist=Brain...
Shoot me!
_______________________________________________ Skunkworks mailing list Skunkworks@lists.my.co.ke http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks ------------ Skunkworks Rules http://my.co.ke/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=94 ------------ Other services @ http://my.co.ke
-- get to know more about me. *http://about.me/rahiminkara * this list is being *watched.*
participants (10)
-
Boniface -
Brian Mang'oli -
Haggai Nyang -
Mickey Mickey -
Philip Musyoki -
Shadrack Mwaniki -
solomon kariri -
Timothy Mutugi -
Tony Likhanga -
Watchman