Math Is Fun Forum

byronjordan

Member

Registered: 2011-01-30

Posts: 14

Deadly choice puzzle doesn't seem quite right?

Am I overthinking this?

Thanks,
Byron

Last edited by byronjordan (2011-01-30 07:16:47)

mathsyperson

Moderator

Registered: 2005-06-22

Posts: 4,900

Re: Deadly choice puzzle doesn't seem quite right?

Haha, I love your thinking.

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Why did the vector cross the road?
It wanted to be normal.

markedaxe

Member

Registered: 2011-02-02

Posts: 5

Re: Deadly choice puzzle doesn't seem quite right?

byronjordan,

I think the tricky part is the word "statement". I believe anything that includes "...will..." is not really a statement for the very reason we can not evaluate it (true or falls)

What about the statement: "2*2 will be 26". Is it true or falls?
I have a better statement "1+1 is 2 and 1+1=10" (sure - binary). Each part as a separate sentence is true, so it must be true, yet ...

mathsyperson

Moderator

Registered: 2005-06-22

Posts: 4,900

Re: Deadly choice puzzle doesn't seem quite right?

Paradoxical statements don't bother the King.

If the prisoner gives a true statement, then the King is forced to have him eaten by lions.
If the prisoner gives a false statement, then the King is forced to have him trampled by buffalo.
If the prisoner gives a statement that is neither true nor false, then the King has no obligations and can kill the prisoner however he chooses.

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Why did the vector cross the road?
It wanted to be normal.