The Problem Solving Game

[HelpDeskHustler]

This is like the "name the game" game in that a one person will post something, requiring another member to post the correct response to be given a turn to post something else. This however, isn't merely identification of a screenshot... this is solving a problem, so let's see who's got the smarts. Word problems, Math problems, logic... etc. Try not to post anything too hard or anything with too many right answers (in case you step away and a 3rd party needs to decide if you got it right) I'll start:

Given a function which produces a random(equal probability) integer in the range 1 to 5, describe function which uses the previous function to produces a random integer(with equal probability) in the range 1 to 7.

[marvin-martian]

official homework help thread?

[jim762]

Originally Posted by HelpDeskHustler

Given a function which produces a random(equal probability) integer in the range 1 to 5, describe function which uses the previous function to produces a random integer(with equal probability) in the range 1 to 7.

HUH???

[HelpDeskHustler]

fine. I'll post an easier one first. But no, marv this was a question from a google interview.

If you have a function that creates number 1-5 randomly, have it generate 7 numbers. Add those 7 numbers together. In order to give each number an equal probability: 35,28,21,14 = 7; 34,27,20,13=6; 33,26,19,12=5; 32,25,18,11=4; 31,24,17,10=3; 30,23,16,9=2; 29,22,15,8=1; if you get 7, have it restart until it doesn't get 7. 1-6 are impossible to "roll" with 7.


NEW QUESTION:

You have 8 balls that are equal in all ways, aside from one which has a slightly lower mass. Using a only an accurate balance for comparisons, how would you determine the ball with less mass with only two comparisons?

[Solar]

Put 6 of the balls on the balance (3 each side).
A) If the balance is even: Compare the two of the remaing three balls
A-1) If the balance is even again: The third is lighter mass ball
A-2)If the balance is not even: The lighter ball is the ball with
the lightest mass.

B)If the balance is not even: Compare two of the three balls on the
lighter side.
B-1)If the balance is even: The third is lighter mass ball
B-2)If the balance is not even again: The lighter ball is the ball with the
lightest mass.

I hope I explained that correctly. I like that riddle. Where did you find it?

[ferret15]

displacement
and
drop it from the same height

edit: nevermind. i see now. i read it too quick.
i have no clue i will think on that question

[vikingshadow]

42

For both of the questions. The answer is ALWAYS 42.

[HelpDeskHustler]

yea that's right solar. your turn now. And haha vike. I liked that reference.

[XSiv Force]

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Connect all the dots using 4 CONECTING lines. Lines must connect at ends in order for it to cosidered to only be 1

[marvin-martian]

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. -.- .-

screw it