Post:

You have three switches in one room and a single light bulb in another room. You are allowed to visit the room with the light bulb only once. How do you figure out which switch controls the bulb? Write your answer in the comments before looking at other answers.


Comment:

If this were an interview question, the correct response would be "Do you have any relevant questions for me? Because have a long list of things that more deserving of my precious time than to think about this!

  • Ledivin@lemmy.world
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    8 days ago

    It wasn’t intuitive before, either, without making an absolute ton of horrible assumptions.

    • Are the wires even connected?
    • Does only one switch control the light?
    • Did the light start on or off?
    • Is the light bulb in arm’s reach?
    • Can I bring my friend and just yell to each other?
    • Can I just leave the door open and see whether it turns on or not?
    • It says I’m allowed to visit the bulb room once but never actually mentions the switch room - do I start there? Can I go back after visiting the bulb room?
    • And, as you said, what type of bulb is it?

    Anyone who doesn’t explore the assumptions should probably fail that particular interview question.

    • gustofwind@lemmy.world
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      7 days ago

      I’ll be honest, a lot of those are pretty stupid

      Obviously the wires are connected

      Obviously one switch controls the light

      Obviously the lights start off

      In a thought experiment you can magically reach the lightbulb if you want

      Obviously you cannot bring a friend

      Obviously you cannot see the light from the switch

      Obviously you return to the switches

      • Ledivin@lemmy.world
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        7 days ago

        lol

        Every time you say “obviously” to an assumption, someone else gets the job.

        • gustofwind@lemmy.world
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          7 days ago

          If you’re hung up on the basic assumptions necessary to make the thought experiment work as clearly intended then you won’t get it neither

          • Ledivin@lemmy.world
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            7 days ago

            Basic assumptions are why the Challenger exploded. Hopefully nobody ever hires you as an engineer.