Math Is Fun Forum

ManiticMath

Member

Registered: 2014-04-24

Posts: 29

My answer to the Burning Island puzzle

The puzzle is as follows:

A man is stranded on an island covered in forest.

One day, when the wind is blowing from the west, lightning strikes the west end of the island and sets fire to the forest. The fire is very violent, burning everything in its path, and without intervention the fire will burn the whole island, killing the man in the process.

There are cliffs around the island, so he cannot jump off.

How can the man survive the fire? (There are no buckets or any other means to put out the fire)

The answer they gave is that he set another fire to survive, but dies anyway due to starvation. I have a more practical solution.
Because the island is in the middle ocean (Where else would it be?) there will normally be a heavy amount of rain. The rain provides the  intervention by dousing the areas that haven't caught fire yet while not putting out the fire. The fire gradually dies down due to the lack of dry materials and constant dousing by rain and goes out due to lack of fuel. The man survives the fire, builds a raft and returns to civilization.

And that is my answer. (I'm trying to be optimistic.He died in the original answer.)

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When ever I see a brand new new math problem, I want to solve it. Then I want to burn it. Then I want to rebuild it in a new, more streamlined way.

ShivamS

Member

Registered: 2011-02-07

Posts: 3,648

Re: My answer to the Burning Island puzzle

I think the first answer is what most people use.

As for the second answer, what about the cliffs?

ManiticMath

Member

Registered: 2014-04-24

Posts: 29

Re: My answer to the Burning Island puzzle

He uses the vine to get down.

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When ever I see a brand new new math problem, I want to solve it. Then I want to burn it. Then I want to rebuild it in a new, more streamlined way.

ShivamS

Member

Registered: 2011-02-07

Posts: 3,648

Re: My answer to the Burning Island puzzle

That's a bit far-fetched, don't you think?

bobbym

bumpkin

From: Bumpkinland

Registered: 2009-04-12

Posts: 109,606

Re: My answer to the Burning Island puzzle

Because the island is in the middle ocean (Where else would it be?)

Florida has thousands of islands within eyeview. There are also desert islands.

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In mathematics, you don't understand things. You just get used to them.
If it ain't broke, fix it until it is.
Always satisfy the Prime Directive of getting the right answer above all else.

Bob

Administrator

Registered: 2010-06-20

Posts: 10,143

Re: My answer to the Burning Island puzzle

hi ManiticMath

See below for my solution.  The man lives! 

Bob

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Children are not defined by school ...........The Fonz
You cannot teach a man anything;  you can only help him find it within himself..........Galileo Galilei
Sometimes I deliberately make mistakes, just to test you!  …………….Bob

ManiticMath

Member

Registered: 2014-04-24

Posts: 29

Re: My answer to the Burning Island puzzle

Hmm....... ok.

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When ever I see a brand new new math problem, I want to solve it. Then I want to burn it. Then I want to rebuild it in a new, more streamlined way.

applejuicefool

Member

Registered: 2015-09-19

Posts: 3

Re: My answer to the Burning Island puzzle

The man goes to the eastern end of the island and, using his axe, chops down several trees, which he uses to climb down the cliffs. He then floats away clinging to a log, using a stick and the string and fishhook he has with him to catch food. He uses his handy portable desalination kit to obtain potable water, and the AK-47 to fend off sharks. After several days of drifting, he uses his waterproof flashlight to signal a passing ship, and is rescued.

Bob

Administrator

Registered: 2010-06-20

Posts: 10,143

Re: My answer to the Burning Island puzzle

hi applejuicefool

Welcome to the forum!

Thanks for your answer.  I see now that your solution is the obvious one.  Amazing that we all missed it. 

Bob

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Children are not defined by school ...........The Fonz
You cannot teach a man anything;  you can only help him find it within himself..........Galileo Galilei
Sometimes I deliberately make mistakes, just to test you!  …………….Bob