The Starman's Math Index
Like most word problems in mathematics, this logic problem would be very difficult (if not impossible) for most people to solve without using symbols to display both the logic and the people involved on paper. You might end up making various charts similar to the truth tables used in formal logic, but first, let's simply diagram the number of possible ways that a truthteller (T), a liar (L) and a randomizer (R) can be arranged while sitting on three different chairs labeled X, Y and Z :
|
There
are only six
possible combinations for three people: |
X |
Y |
Z |
|||
|
1 |
T |
L |
R |
|||
|
2 |
T |
R |
L |
|||
|
3 |
L |
T |
R |
|||
|
4 |
L |
R |
T |
|||
|
5 |
R |
T |
L |
|||
|
6 |
R |
L |
T |
This is, of course,
only one of a number of different ways you may have already used to show these
people on your own paper.
The next step, however, is to devise your questions in such a way that you can figure out who is who for any of these six situations. Bonus Hint: Notice that due to the Randomizer's (R) answers being unpredictable, you really have to base your decisions upon only two predictable answers for each possible combination!
OK, click here for another hint, but only if you've really tried this time!