Math Is Fun Forum

tony123

Member

Registered: 2007-08-03

Posts: 229

Who Stole the Book

Six students visited the library on the day a rare book was stolen. Each student entered once, stayed for some time, and left. For any two of them that were in the library at the same time, at least one of them saw the other. The dean questioned the students and learned the following:

Student         Reported seeing

Alice             Bob, Eve
Bob             Alice, Frank
Charlie             Doris, Frank
Doris             Alice, Frank
Eve             Bob, Charlie
Frank             Charlie, Eve

The dean believes that each student reported all the others that he or she saw, with the exception of the thief who, in an attempt to frame another student, reported that other student as being seen when that other student was not in fact in the library. Assume the dean's belief is correct. Can the dean determine the thief?

mathsyperson

Moderator

Registered: 2005-06-22

Posts: 4,900

Re: Who Stole the Book

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

TheDude

Member

Registered: 2007-10-23

Posts: 361

Re: Who Stole the Book

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Wrap it in bacon

XxlovemoxX

Member

Registered: 2008-09-17

Posts: 0

Re: Who Stole the Book

ok...

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Deathly Stare