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Your Favorite Math/Logic Riddles?

shma asks: "Whether you're involved in the Sciences, Mathematics, or Engineering, you undoubtedly enjoy finding simple solutions to seemingly difficult problems. I'm sure you all have a favorite mind-bender, and who better to share it with than the Slashdot community? Post your own problems and try to solve others. Just one request: If you have figured out the solution, link to it in a post, rather than write it out where anyone can see it." What brain benders tickle your fancy? "Here's a sample to consider: You're in a dark room with 50 quarters, 18 of which are heads up. You are allowed to move around the coins or flip some or all of them, if you wish. Problem is, it's too dark to tell what you're moving or flipping (no, you can't figure it out by touch either). Your job is to split the coins into two groups, each of which has the same number of heads up coins. How do you accomplish this?"

4 of 1,965 comments (clear)

  1. The Answer.... by Omnieiunium · · Score: 5, Funny

    Is obviously 42

  2. easy one by zanderredux · · Score: 5, Funny

    prove that a^n=b^n+c^n for any n.

  3. One possible solution: by heinousjay · · Score: 5, Funny

    Turn a light on.

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  4. Re:Phone Numbers by MickLinux · · Score: 5, Funny

    Wow! It's my age! How did you do that?!?

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