You are missing something. That's what makes it a good problem. Since it was Eric's problem I don't feel I should be the spoiler but will send the solution to anyone privately. dg At 10:02 AM 8/9/2007, you wrote:
----- Original Message ---- From: David Gale <gale@math.berkeley.edu> To: math-fun <math-fun@mailman.xmission.com> Sent: Thursday, August 9, 2007 3:17:48 AM Subject: RE: [math-fun] How we "do mathematics" ... >A (very) old one I like : > >Two Death Valley marathonians friends complete their run >together and seek shadow in their tent nearby the finish >line. > >The first one had prepared a fresh 5-liter tank of water >in a cooling box and his friend a similar 3-liter one. > >They were about to start drinking when a journalist enters >the tent desperately asking for water. > >OK, the water is divided into three equal parts -- and drunk. > >The thankful journalist insists to pay his share and leaves >8 dollars to be split between the two friends. > >How? > >---- Why is this problem so fascinating? The two friends are paid $8. The guy who contributed 5 l gets $5, and the guy who contributed 3 l gets $3. Or maybe the $8 goes towards paying for their campsite. I must be missing something. Gene ____________________________________________________________________________________ Pinpoint customers who are looking for what you sell. http://searchmarketing.yahoo.com/
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