Author |
Topic: WIRECUFFS - solution ? (Read 2113 times) |
|
atgdax
Newbie
Posts: 14
|
 |
WIRECUFFS - solution ?
« on: Nov 22nd, 2006, 11:46am » |
 Quote  Modify
|
The goal is for Dilbert and Carol to unlink themselves from each other.
How ? its like 2 loops combined, they cannot be sperated , or can they ? 
|
|
 IP Logged |
|
|
|
towr
wu::riddles Moderator
Uberpuzzler
Some people are average, some are just mean.
Gender: 
Posts: 13730
|
 |
Re: WIRECUFFS - solution ?
« Reply #1 on: Nov 22nd, 2006, 11:51am » |
Quote Modify
|
If they couldn't it wouldn't be much of a puzzle would it. 
It helps if the wire is thin though
|
|
IP Logged |
Wikipedia, Google, Mathworld, Integer sequence DB
|
|
|
atgdax
Newbie
Posts: 14
|
|
Re: WIRECUFFS - solution ?
« Reply #2 on: Nov 22nd, 2006, 1:01pm » |
Quote Modify
|
they take it off their hands ?
|
|
IP Logged |
|
|
|
Icarus
wu::riddles Moderator
Uberpuzzler
Boldly going where even angels fear to tread.
Gender:
Posts: 4863
|
|
Re: WIRECUFFS - solution ?
« Reply #3 on: Nov 22nd, 2006, 1:05pm » |
Quote Modify
|
That would be cheating. The wire also needs to be sufficiently long.
Hint: These loops already have breaks.
|
|
IP Logged |
"Pi goes on and on and on ...
And e is just as cursed.
I wonder: Which is larger
When their digits are reversed? " - Anonymous
|
|
|
atgdax
Newbie
Posts: 14
|
|
Re: WIRECUFFS - solution ?
« Reply #4 on: Nov 22nd, 2006, 1:51pm » |
Quote Modify
|
should I take a closer look at the picture ?
or consider them tied tight.
|
| « Last Edit: Nov 22nd, 2006, 1:51pm by atgdax » |
IP Logged |
|
|
|
Noke Lieu
Uberpuzzler
pen... paper... let's go! (and bit of plastic)
Gender:
Posts: 1884
|
|
Re: WIRECUFFS - solution ?
« Reply #5 on: Nov 22nd, 2006, 4:27pm » |
Quote Modify
|
or searching...
Tied tight would hamper their efforts. Not topologically, obviously...
an alternative yet homogenous (basically the same) puzzle is to get your own wirecuff and BEFORE you put the handcuffs on, throw a trefoil/overhand knot in it (like the simplest know you can do), then once cuffed remove the crossing/knot.
|
|
IP Logged |
a shade of wit and the art of farce.
|
|
|
Aurora
Junior Member
Gender: 
Posts: 81
|
|
Re: WIRECUFFS - solution ?
« Reply #6 on: May 23rd, 2007, 9:51am » |
Quote Modify
|
Having looked on as others struggled to find a solution to this problem (practically, I hasten to add), at a maths masterclass, I am delighted to say that it is much easier once you know how.
For those of you still struggling, here is a hint: there are not two loops as atgdax said, for the loops around the wrists hold the key to solution.
|
|
IP Logged |
"In these days, a man who says a thing cannot be done is quite apt to be interrupted by some idiot doing it."- Elbert Green Hubbard
|
|
|
Grimbal
wu::riddles Moderator
Uberpuzzler
Gender:
Posts: 7527
|
|
Re: WIRECUFFS - solution ?
« Reply #7 on: May 27th, 2007, 5:34am » |
Quote Modify
|
It might be a good trick to pick up a girl, but I doubt it will actually work...
|
|
IP Logged |
|
|
|
Aurora
Junior Member
Gender:
Posts: 81
|
|
Re: WIRECUFFS - solution ?
« Reply #8 on: May 27th, 2007, 11:16pm » |
Quote Modify
|
Maybe it would help to say that the boss glued their feet to the floor and they stayed like this until they were untied.
|
|
IP Logged |
"In these days, a man who says a thing cannot be done is quite apt to be interrupted by some idiot doing it."- Elbert Green Hubbard
|
|
|
rmsgrey
Uberpuzzler
    
Gender:
Posts: 2873
|
|
Re: WIRECUFFS - solution ?
« Reply #9 on: May 28th, 2007, 7:03am » |
Quote Modify
|
on May 26th, 2007, 11:11pm, Crutch wrote:| Dilbert now has his arms around her (his left arm over her left shoulder, his right arm, under her right arm, and he's hugging her lower waste.) The two are so close they are almost kissing. (To Dilbert's displeasure) (they're facing eachother) |
|
I'm having trouble working out this position - if I'm facing someone, my left is closest to their right, and my right to their left, so unless Dilbert is secretly part octopus, or is in fact upside down at this point, I don't see how this works...
|
|
IP Logged |
|
|
|
SMQ
wu::riddles Moderator
Uberpuzzler
Gender:
Posts: 2084
|
|
Re: WIRECUFFS - solution ?
« Reply #10 on: May 28th, 2007, 11:03am » |
Quote Modify
|
on May 28th, 2007, 7:03am, rmsgrey wrote:| I don't see how this works... |
|
It doesn't. With some careful work Dilbert might indeed be able to pass his arms entirely around Carol and end up back where he started, but he'll never get free that way.
--SMQ
|
|
IP Logged |
--SMQ
|
|
|
Crutch
Newbie
Posts: 2
|
|
Re: WIRECUFFS - solution ?
« Reply #11 on: May 28th, 2007, 4:04pm » |
Quote Modify
|
Sorry rmsgrey, it's his left arm, her right shoulder. I wasn't thinking at 2 in the moring. But his right arm is under her left.
Sorry about that, and thanks for noticing rmsgrey
|
|
IP Logged |
|
|
|
Crutch
Newbie
Posts: 2
|
|
Re: WIRECUFFS - solution ?
« Reply #12 on: May 28th, 2007, 4:14pm » |
Quote Modify
|
I just did my answer physically and SMQ you were right, i'm sorry you just end up where you started.
|
|
IP Logged |
|
|
|
Grimbal
wu::riddles Moderator
Uberpuzzler
Gender:
Posts: 7527
|
|
Re: WIRECUFFS - solution ?
« Reply #13 on: May 29th, 2007, 2:33am » |
Quote Modify
|
Maybe it would help if you imagine Carol and Dilbert as having no body, but consist entirely of 2 connected arms. Does it make the situation clearer?
|
|
IP Logged |
|
|
|
|
RIDDLES SITE
WRITE MATH!
Home 
Help 
Search 
Members 
Login 
Register
Reply
Notify of replies
Send Topic
Print