Puzzle – Clock
June 14, 2008 – 6:51 pmIt’s 3 O’Clock. What will be the time when the minute and hour hands are next in the same position (coincident)?
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5 Responses to “Puzzle – Clock”
It’s interesting that my algebra teacher spent weeks, if not years getting the class to think like the non-quant. Mechanically, logically, but not efficiently. Imagine if our educational system focused on getting high-schoolers to start thinking like quants from the beginning?
By benkster on Jun 14, 2008
benkster… it’s a good point. I wonder if some people are predisposed to think one way or the other – and how much of it can be taught.
By nolfonzo on Jun 15, 2008
less of the quant worship please! they live in this space. of course they are going to find elegant solutions more quickly.
there’s definitely a predisposition element to this. some people see problems differently. music as math. numbers as a landscape. spinning dancers, etc.
education systems produce lots of bright people that can solve a differential equation if you tell them that’s the topic under test. what they fail to develop is the ability to look at a problems and figure out for themselves what knowledge area to reach into to find a solution. this ability to identify where to start is often key to solving these brain teasers.
btw, love that none of the coding entries have responses!
http://www.news.com.au/perthnow/story/0,21598,22492511-5005375,00.html?from=mostpop
http://www.secamlocal.ex.ac.uk/people/staff/mrwatkin/isoc/twins.htm
By getmetheswan on Jun 18, 2008
getmetheswan – the “quant worship” had a little tongue in cheek to it… though subtle, like all good australian humor.
I like your spinning dancer link – I was stuck on clockwise for a while. It took some effort for a momentary switch to anti-clockwise. So what does this say… I’m a “touchy feely” guy? Are you crazy?
By nolfonzo on Jun 18, 2008
I was stuck on clockwise with no hope of reversing it. Does that qualify me for government assistance?
By porksauce on Jun 20, 2008