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        New Message Board Archives >> 2003 Posts >> Not a Math Question (not CH either) 
        
(Message started by: FrankF on Jun 20^th, 2003, 9:21pm)

Title: Not a Math Question (not CH either)
Post by FrankF on Jun 20^th, 2003, 9:21pm

There are three light switches on a wall in a room... and there are three lightbulbs on the ceiling in a different room.

How can you tell which switch controls each lightbulb?

Note: You are allowed to go check the lightbulbs ONCE. You cannot see between the rooms (there are no windows)... and you are the only one there (no helpers allowed either).

Title: Re: Not a Math Question (not CH either)
Post by Charlie on Jun 20^th, 2003, 11:48pm

I don't have it but do you have to unscrew a bulb or two?

Baffled Charlie

Title: Re: Not a Math Question (not CH either)
Post by catlind on Jun 21^st, 2003, 10:18am

Just turn them all on and label them however you like :)

Since you're the only one there, who is going to tell you that you are wrong LOL

Cat

Title: Re: Not a Math Question (not CH either)
Post by brain_cramps on Jun 21^st, 2003, 10:29am

LMAO Cat! ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

There's that analytical, logical, computer geek side of you showing up again. ;)

I just stumble around in the dark using my 'furniture-detectors' (shins).

grant 8)

Title: Re: Not a Math Question (not CH either)
Post by andy on Jun 21^st, 2003, 10:32am

Im no electrician but, it is uncommon for a light switch to be in a different room than the light itself.
Quote:

How can you tell which switch controls each lightbulb?

I dont know the answer but it sounds like the electrician f*cked up!! ............andy

Title: Re: Not a Math Question (not CH either)
Post by BruceD on Jun 22^nd, 2003, 6:55am

Mmm.

Well, if I get to cheat then I'd replace two of the bulbs with outlets & then plug in 2 radios turned to different stations. (Or I also like cat's answer except I'd just leave them all turned on all the time - sure don't wanna have to keep running out of the room to turn them on/off)

Seriously, I thought about it for a few minutes and there's no way of telling which switch goes to which light simply by looking at the lights. Charlie's answer got me thinking and I think I have it.

Turn on a couple of the switches (doesn't matter which 2) and leave them on for a while. Then turn one of those switches off and hustle up to the room. The light that is on is obviously the switch that is still left on. Then the bulb that is warm is the one that you just turned off. The 3rd bulb is, by default, controlled by the other 3rd switch.

Sound right?
BruceD

Title: Re: Not a Math Question (not CH either)
Post by catlind on Jun 22^nd, 2003, 7:51am

Wow Bruce, you wouldn't be a member of mensa would you? LOL

That was brilliant!

Cat

Title: Re: Not a Math Question (not CH either)
Post by brain_cramps on Jun 22^nd, 2003, 7:54am

Bruce

You got it!

I had heard the solution to this years ago, but was unable to remember it regardless of how long I thought about it.

Good thinking.

grant 8)

Title: Re: Not a Math Question (not CH either)
Post by BruceD on Jun 22^nd, 2003, 11:08am

Cat,

Nope, I guess I qualify but who wants to sit around with a bunch of egg-heads who think themselves better than everyone else. I'm just an "enginerd" with too much schooling. I always liked these sort of questions and even as a kid they would bug me until I figured them out. (Yes, I was one of those hated "curve breakers" also ;D)

Take care
BruceD

Title: Re: Not a Math Question (not CH either)
Post by don on Jun 22^nd, 2003, 11:35am

Quote:

I guess I qualify

Mensas dont need to guess. DISQUALIFIED!

Title: Re: Not a Math Question (not CH either)
Post by BruceD on Jun 22^nd, 2003, 12:36pm

LOL, good one Don. ;D

BruceD