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#1 Re: Puzzles and Games » The Professor and the Student » 2013-12-15 14:02:00

I've known of this puzzle from elsewhere. The mathematical resolution is that the axiom or setup is paradoxical or contradictory. Assume the axiom is "The test is one day next week, but you won't know in advance which day." The logic of the student is perfectly valid based on the axiom and yet contradicts the axiom. Another paradoxical or contradictory axiom is for example: "The test is one day next week and the test is not next week." or "This statement is false." or "I was lying to you when I said I was lying to you." etc...

As Asimov said: "As far as I am concerned, if, when everything impossible has been eliminated and what remains is supernatural, then someone is lying.” The professor is lying.

#2 Re: Puzzles and Games » Four People Travel Puzzle » 2013-12-15 13:46:42

I think there is one and only one solution.

John gets seasick so he must be on the ship.
Cindy had to rent so she is using a car.
Mr. Jones hates flying so he booked the train.
Rachel is therefore on the plane.

#3 Re: Puzzles and Games » Four People Travel » 2013-12-15 13:45:33

I think there is one and only one solution.

John gets seasick so he must be on the ship.
Cindy had to rent so she is using a car.
Mr. Jones hates flying so he booked the train.
Rachel is therefore on the plane.

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