Explain:How many such spacemen are there each distinct from the other?

lorynjane · 2011-02-27 04:02:31

The question is "Toy space men of different shapes are each formed from five 1cm cubes with adjacent cubes firmly welded together face-to-face. To qualify for space flight each space man has to be able to fit into a 3cm x 3cm x 3cm escape pod . How many such space men are there, each distinct from the other? I don't understand it?

Bob · 2011-02-27 04:21:10

hi again,

Your teacher is certainly making you think for this homework. Half term and you've left it 'til the last day I wonder? tut tut.

Still here's where you get help!

Have a look at the picture below.

The red box is 3 by 3 by 3 and represents the escape pod.

I've drawn one possible shape using 5 cubes. You got to find the others.

Got any Lego?

hope that helps,

Bob

Last edited by Bob (2011-02-27 04:21:52)

lorynjane · 2011-02-27 04:34:19

i think i might have the answer is it 5?

Bob · 2011-02-27 04:48:39

hi lorynjane,

I think it will be more than that. I wonder which ones you have found.

Have a look at my new picture.

I've put on O as a starting place and x, y and z directions.

The cube I've shown is in position (3,1,2) that is 3 across in the x direction, then 1 in the y direction and finally 2 in the z direction.

So I have made a way of describing the spacemen by using this numbering system.

The one I gave you before is (1,1,1) (2,1,1) (3,1,1) (2,2,1) (3,2,1).

What are the ones you have found?

Bob

Last edited by Bob (2011-02-27 04:49:33)

soroban · 2011-02-27 12:20:26

      *-----------*         *---*         *-------*         *---*
      |           |         |   |         |       |         |   |
      |   *-------*     *---*   *---*     *---*   *---*     |   *---*
      |   |             |           |         |       |     |       | 
      |   |             *---*   *---*         |   *---*     |       |
      |   |                 |   |             |   |         |       |
      *---*                 *---*             *---*         *-------*


      *---*             *-----------*         *-------*     *-------*
      |   |             |           |         |       |     |       |
      |   *---*         *---*   *---*         |   *---*     |   *---*
      |       |             |   |             |   |         |   |
      *---*   *---*         |   |         *---*   *         |   *---*
          |       |         |   |         |       |         |       |
          *---*---*         *---*         *-------*         *-------*

          *---*
         /   /|
        *---* *-------*
        |   |/       /|
        *---*-------* *
       /   /|       |/
      *---* *-------*
      |   |/
      *---*

.

mapprof · 2011-03-06 06:45:17

Tut tut indeed!

https://www.southampton.ac.uk/assets/imported/transforms/peripheral-block/UsefulDownloads_Download/64878B7956334FFE80D0029954E732A1/outreach%20challenge11.pdf

bobbym · 2011-03-06 07:00:16

Hi mapprof;

mapprof wrote:

Tut tut indeed!

You mean Tutankhamen, Tutankhamen right? Rather than criticizing Bob which would be rude you are an Egyptologist.

Bob · 2011-03-08 02:53:46

hi bobbym,

Thanks for leaping to my defence but I don't think it is a criticism. The link is to the page where a challenge is set and it specifically says the student must do their own work.

So I'm going to assume he was agreeing with me.

Been away at my daughter's so I'm just catching up.

Bob

bobbym · 2011-03-08 06:29:47

Hi Bob;

How was the trip?

A pm was sent to me in effect questioning my lackadaisical enforcement of the rules of polite conduct that are given to us when we sign up. When I thought about it he was right. All problems begin small by testing the resolve of those whose responsibility it is to defend them. The recent affair with GiB and his 100 aliases demonstrates this. My lazy attitude of let him say what he likes to me because I can take it, is fine for the street. This is not the street, this is an area where intellectuals and people of higher conduct congregate.

On other forums any slip, inadvertent or not is quickly pounced on. I know because they ride me like I am their pet donkey. My desire not to be like that caused an overreaction in the other direction. I forgot that other members see the posts too. Other members do not enjoy reading posts that contain attacks even on other people. Makes them feel that this is a place where anything goes.

I know you are able to take it. That does not mean I should allow it. That I should remain silent, let people believe no one cares, that no one is watching. If the OP is the intelligent person I hope he is then he can explain his position. If he is another GiB then I have nipped it in the bud.

Bob · 2011-03-08 11:09:50

hi bobbym,

Regarding the tutting; I think it was the OP that was aimed at; but maybe I'm wrong. Anyhow, I wasn't upset; my conscience is clear.

We went to visit some University friends and, as they live not too far from my daughter, we then went on to see her. A good time was had by all. Her husband has a great book of famous quotations so I've grabbed a new one for my posts (see below).

I'm hoping to make a breakthrough with an old, but unfinished, problem soon. I don't want to say more as I'll look silly if I then cannot deliver. Should take a week or two. or maybe three! Pick a number between one and n, as n tends to infinity. The important thing is, I haven't given up!

Bob

Last edited by Bob (2011-03-08 11:20:19)

bobbym · 2011-03-08 16:17:57

Hi Bob;

Do not forget to show it to me when you get it!

Bob · 2011-03-08 21:48:08

hi bobbym,

Good morning! You must be joking! You bet, I'll be singing it from the rooftops!

Bob

bobbym · 2011-03-08 21:49:45

Hi Bob;

I hope your voice is good.

Bob · 2011-03-08 22:05:50

hi bobbym,

Well, it's well rested as I haven't had to shout at any pupils for a while.

Bob

bobbym · 2011-03-08 22:19:30

Okay. I hope you are a baritone, tenors annoy me.

Math Is Fun Forum

#1 2011-02-27 04:02:31

Explain:How many such spacemen are there each distinct from the other?

#2 2011-02-27 04:21:10

Re: Explain:How many such spacemen are there each distinct from the other?

#3 2011-02-27 04:34:19

Re: Explain:How many such spacemen are there each distinct from the other?

#4 2011-02-27 04:48:39

Re: Explain:How many such spacemen are there each distinct from the other?

#5 2011-02-27 12:20:26

Re: Explain:How many such spacemen are there each distinct from the other?

#6 2011-03-06 06:45:17

Re: Explain:How many such spacemen are there each distinct from the other?

#7 2011-03-06 07:00:16

Re: Explain:How many such spacemen are there each distinct from the other?

#8 2011-03-08 02:53:46

Re: Explain:How many such spacemen are there each distinct from the other?

#9 2011-03-08 06:29:47

Re: Explain:How many such spacemen are there each distinct from the other?

#10 2011-03-08 11:09:50

Re: Explain:How many such spacemen are there each distinct from the other?

#11 2011-03-08 16:17:57

Re: Explain:How many such spacemen are there each distinct from the other?

#12 2011-03-08 21:48:08

Re: Explain:How many such spacemen are there each distinct from the other?

#13 2011-03-08 21:49:45

Re: Explain:How many such spacemen are there each distinct from the other?

#14 2011-03-08 22:05:50

Re: Explain:How many such spacemen are there each distinct from the other?

#15 2011-03-08 22:19:30

Re: Explain:How many such spacemen are there each distinct from the other?

Board footer