A harder problem...one for GoT - Page 4

daryn · #31 08-02-2004, 08:12 PM

so you're saying, just choose some arbitrary answer for #1? it's not that i didn't understand that, it's that i see that as bogus.

aloiz · #32 08-02-2004, 08:13 PM

What about this equation a = a + x says that a = 0? It is possible that a = 0, but not necessary. The only thing necessary for that equation to be satisfied is that x = 0.
If you're really serious about what you're saying and not just dicking around, a little more depth into your line of reasoning would be nice. Replies like 'no', while amusing do not help me understand where you're coming from, as most likely this is just a semantics problem (although not if you agree with the equation above).

aloiz

aloiz · #33 08-02-2004, 08:14 PM

Q1 cannot be determined without answering other questions first. The only thing question 1 tells you right off the bat is that the sum of all other answers must be 0. That should lead you to the answer of another question.

aloiz

GuyOnTilt · #34 08-02-2004, 08:14 PM

so you're saying, just choose some arbitrary answer for #1?

Almost. At first it seems like it could be arbitrary, but it can't quite be. I believe it will have to be larger than any other answer, and also a perfect square. Which perfect square hinges on whether Q9 is true. If it is, then there is no perfect square that satisfies the quiz. If Q9 is false, then again I can't find a solution for the quiz without Q10 having both a T/F and numerical answer.

GoT

daryn · #35 08-02-2004, 08:15 PM

it's not that i don't understand basic 7th grade algebra, it's just that what is a? if you are just picking some arbitrary number for a, i see it as a cop-out.

daryn · #36 08-02-2004, 08:16 PM

i understand, but basically you are choosing what you want the answer to be.

aloiz · #37 08-02-2004, 08:16 PM

[ QUOTE ]
If Q9 is false, then again I can't find a solution for the quiz with Q10 having both a T/F and numerical answer.

[/ QUOTE ]

Q10 only has 1 answer. It could be numerical or T/F.

aloiz

GuyOnTilt · #38 08-02-2004, 08:17 PM

i understand, but basically you are choosing what you want the answer to be.

Only if Q9 is false. If Q9 is true, then Q1 has to have one specific answer.

GoT

aloiz · #39 08-02-2004, 08:18 PM

If you pick an arbitrary number and then go through the rest of the quiz you won't be able to answer all the question (unless you pick the right number). GoT is right about the answer being a perfect square.

aloiz

daryn · #40 08-02-2004, 08:18 PM

what i mean is, you should be able to, upon hearing the answers, ask how you got them.

for instance, if one question is, what is the average of all other answers, and you got 15, i'd like to be shown where you added up all the other answers, divided by the number of questions, etc.

but if i ask, how did you get #1? i would be told, look, it just is.