A riddle I can't figure out.

[Campino]

quote:

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Originally posted by Legolas:


This reminds me of a similar one. Let's use the same situation where there are four switches, but only a single lamp. Naturally, only one of the switches is connected to the light bulb.
This time, as soon as the spy exits the room with the lamp, he has to say which of the four switches is the right one.
He has no tools and he cannot see the other room, nor if there's a light burning there until he enteres the room with the lamp. So he's got one single shot, and four switches to choose from. How will he do this?

(It's pretty obvious once you figure it out )

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That's quite easy Legolas,must be the one on the right [img]smile.gif[/img]

[Dresdan]

I'm stumped so far, but i'm still working on it(and a headache) I know when I do figure this out, I'll probably kick myself in the a** for not getting it sooner. [img]smile.gif[/img]

[Legolas]

I could tell you if it was the one on the right, but if I did you'd eiter say "I told you" or reduce the problem to three [img]smile.gif[/img]
Could have worked with someone else though

And if there are three useless switches, they can be in any position without it making a difference. So you could have all in the same position, or one in a different position, or two. But you'd never know which one was the real one.


SixofSpades, they're not exactly the same for one simple detail. Which is why I couldn't come up with the answer to your question right away. But mine works with four bulbs as well, that's true. In that way, it's quite similar.

The detail is


*hint* *hint* *hint*
The spy doesn't have to give the answer the moment he/she steps into the room

BTW, this hint is only useful if you're clever enough to figure out the riddle without it. Ehr...

[250]

the one to the right is the right one

[Campino]

I'll explain Legolas,

You asked,which one is the right one.
Now right can mean correct,or a direction.
I think you mean direction,so if you ask,which one is the right one,i say the one on the right.That's what i meant.

[Legolas]

In that case, I can't beat your logic. But it won't help the spy find out which of the four switches activates the lamp

[Campino]

Give me some more time,i'll eventually come up with the answer.Thought i had it ,really.Ah well,can't sleep anyway.

Why did Dresdan start this topic,to keep people from sleeping?

j/k [img]smile.gif[/img]

[250]

I dont freaking undertsand your questions at all, elf, maybe you should go study common some more before adventure to Faerun any furthur

any hows, I have guesses

I cannot figure out which one, but I can increase the chances to 50%

just divide the four switchs into two groups. the correct one must be in either group. pick a group, then flip one switch. if that one doesnt work, then must be the other one. 50% chance, better than randomly choose in four.

this solution doesnt work for four light bulbs... so I suppose it is incorrect. but heck, what did you mean by "as soon as he >>>>exist<<< the room with lamp" ? and what did you mean by "he doesnt have to give the answer immediately" that helps

I thought he MUST give the answer?

[Dresdan]

Sorry Campino, my version of insomniac theater [img]smile.gif[/img] And these two riddles have given me a three Motrin headache and I am no closer to solving them. But I will, sooner or later(hopefully sooner as I may run out of motrin)

[Campino]

Ok,got it!!(i think)Must be the switch in the same room as the lamp.

(the other 3 are in the other room)