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Ponder This

December 2000

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Ponder This Challenge:

A man leaves his office every day at 5:00, takes the commuter train and arrives at his hometown depot at 6:00. His wife arrives at the depot at 6:00, in their car, and drives him home. This is everyday procedure.

One day, he leaves his office at 4:00 instead of the usual 5:00, neglects to inform his wife, and arrives at the depot at 5:00 instead of 6:00. He decides to walk home. On the way home he meets his wife, who is driving to pick him up at the usual 6:00. He gets in the car, they drive home and arrive 20 minutes earlier than usual.

Question 1: How long, in minutes, did he walk?

Question 2: What unstated assumptions went into your answer to Question 1? What could go wrong?

We won't be posting a list of solvers this month, but we will post some of the submitted answers for Question 2, starting December 8.

Part 1 originally appeared in a Martin Gardner column (which we were unaware of when we printed the puzzle)


We will post the names of those who submit a correct, original solution! If you don't want your name posted then please include such a statement in your submission!

We invite visitors to our website to submit an elegant solution. Send your submission to the ponder@il.ibm.com.

If you have any problems you think we might enjoy, please send them in. All replies should be sent to: ponder@il.ibm.com

  

Challenge: 12/01/00 @ 9:00 AM EDT
Solution: 12/08/00 @ 9:00 AM EDT
List Updated: 12/01/00 @ 9:00 AM EDT

People who answered correctly:

(No list this month, selected answers to question 2 will be posted starting on December 8th)


Attention: If your name is posted here and you wish it removed please send email to the ponder@il.ibm.com.