Here is a probability problem from BL’s Weekly Math Games. Normally I am not a fan of such problems, but this one seemed fairly straight-forward for a change.
“I hit the target 75% of the time. You hit the target 25% of the time. We aim at the same time, and only one bullet hits. What’s the probability it came from me?
Now as for this puzzle, it would be tempting to think that I am 3 times as good at hitting the target, but I am not!”
See Whose Bullet for a solution
Here is another problem from BL’s Weekly Math Games.
“For every point P on y = 2x2, areas A and B are equal. Find the equation for curve C.”
See Mystery Curve Puzzle for a solution
This is another puzzle from BL’s Weekly Math Games.
“a + b + c = 2, and
a2 + b2 + c2 = 12
where a, b, and c are real numbers. What is the difference between the maximum and minimum possible values of c?”
The original problem statement mentioned a fourth real number d, but I considered it a typo, since it was not involved in the problem.
See Sphere and Plane Puzzle for a solution.
This is an interesting algebra problem from BL’s Weekly Math Games, which is behind a subscription wall.
(a3 – b3)/(a – b)3 = 73/3,
what is a – b?”
In fact, it is possible to solve for a and b individually as well.
See a Tricky Ratio Puzzle for the solution.
(Updates 11/6/2024, 11/9/2024) Other Solutions Continue reading
