Maths

There is an old mathematical puzzle about three mathematicians and a bell-hop which is a good lesson in how numbers can be used to deceive as well as inform.

Here's a tip: Count your change properly

Three mathematicians travelling to a conference out of town decide to save money by sharing a room (clearly these mathematicians are academics rather than mathematicians working on exotic products for investment banks).

At the front desk, they pay $300 for the night for their room.

Latest 2 of 8 comments

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  • Margaret says:

    02:39am | 03/04/12

    I know this post is ancient, but what video are you referring to? I’d really like to see it. Read more »

  • Damien says:

    03:46am | 04/11/09

    Nice post. Another topic a lot of people don’t get is probability.  E.g. the Monty Hall problem.  A subject for another post? Read more »

 

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