Math Is Fun Forum

MathsIsFun

Administrator

Registered: 2005-01-21

Posts: 7,713

Cars Across the Desert Puzzle

Another one: Cars Across the Desert Puzzle

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"The physicists defer only to mathematicians, and the mathematicians defer only to God ..."  - Leon M. Lederman

bobbym

bumpkin

From: Bumpkinland

Registered: 2009-04-12

Posts: 109,606

Re: Cars Across the Desert Puzzle

Hi;

A very interesting problem. I could not find a solution with 3 cars. Have you ever seen a proof or any argument why 4 are necessary?

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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.

MathsIsFun

Administrator

Registered: 2005-01-21

Posts: 7,713

Re: Cars Across the Desert Puzzle

No I haven't.

But I have been thinking how to rescue the empty cars.

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"The physicists defer only to mathematicians, and the mathematicians defer only to God ..."  - Leon M. Lederman

Nehushtan

Member

Registered: 2013-03-09

Posts: 957

Re: Cars Across the Desert Puzzle

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Creeper_Mode

Member

Registered: 2013-10-21

Posts: 2

Re: Cars Across the Desert Puzzle

Only one question. It doesn't says that you will be able to tow another car! Even if you can. It will use more patrol that's wouldn't take you to quarter a desert per car!

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Creeper_mode - Amateur Math solver
Love Logic Puzzles.

Grimbal

Member

Registered: 2013-11-24

Posts: 7

Re: Cars Across the Desert Puzzle

MAJ Trey

Member

From: Maryland, USA

Registered: 2014-07-30

Posts: 1

Re: Cars Across the Desert Puzzle

[hide = 4 Cars without salvage]My solution also uses 4 cars, but each car should be able to return to the start point (3 cars) or get to the other side (1 car)
Each car has a different role and travels different distances
Car 1:  Travel 1/6, Transfer 1/6 to either Car 2 or Car 3, Return 1/6
Car 2:  Travel 1/6, Receive 1/6 from Car 1, Travel another 1/6, Transfer 1/6, Return 1/6, Receive 1/6 from Car 1, Return 1/6
Car 3:  Travel 1/6, Receive 1/6 from Car 1, Travel another 1/6, Receive 1/6 from Car 2, Travel 1/6, Transfer 1/6 to Car 4, Return 1/6, Receive 1/6 from Car 2, Travel 1/6, Receive 1/6 from Car 1, Travel 1/6
Car 4 [With VIP]: Travel 1/6, Receive 1/6 from Car 1, Travel another 1/6, Receive 1/6 from Car 2, Travel 1/6, Receive 1/6 to Car 4, Travel 1/2 to destination

The obvious issue is the time waiting for Cars 1 and 2 to constantly return and refill.  But it is feasible.[/hide]