Ted-Ed season 1 episode 1

Result: success Time limit: extended until I found the solution Question: https://youtu.be/7yDmGnA8Hw0 Reflection: This was a worthy opponent. At first I assumed that 'You' had to do all the running back and forth. Then I thought maybe the fact that the professor holding onto the handrails the whole way was a clue that he could … Continue reading Ted-Ed season 1 episode 1 →

Problem 6

Result: success Time taken: 7 minutes Question: 6+4=210 9+2=711 8+5=313 5+2=37 7+6=113 9+8=117 10+6=416 15+3=1218 ??+?? =123 Reflection: At first I spotted that the digit/digits on the right were the sum of the two numbers. Then I realized that the first digit/digits was the difference between the two numbers. Then it was just a case … Continue reading Problem 6 →

Assumptions in problem solving

In the book, pig wrestling, (which is a great read by the way) they tell you that it is your assumptions that get in the way of your problem solving. If you're stuck then you need to examine the approaches you are taking at the moment. When examining these approaches you need to look for … Continue reading Assumptions in problem solving →

Problem 5

Result: Fail Time limit: 45 minutes Question: A man who lives on the tenth floor takes the elevator down to the first floor every morning and goes to work. In the evening, when he comes back; on a rainy day, or if there are other people in the elevator, he goes to his floor directly. … Continue reading Problem 5 →

Problem 4

Result: Success Time limit: 5 minutes Reflection: Shortening the time limit did add to the difficulty as it forced me to think quicker

Problem 3

Result: solved Time: 10 minutes Reflection: Next time I will read the instructions thoroughly before starting. As in my eagerness to solve the puzzle as quickly as possible I skimmed the instructions and therefore wasted time trying to find the one word that wasn't there.

Problem 2

Result: Solved Time limit: 10 minutes Reflection: In order to figure out line 5 I had to fill out line 6 first. Other than that, I found this puzzle quite easy and to increase the difficulty next time I will reduce the time.

Problem 1

Result: Fail Time limit: 10 minutes Reflection: This was my first ever attempt at a 'code word' puzzle and I think my lack of experience worked against me. For the next time I think I'll allow more time, add in the known letters quicker.

It appeared simple

It appeared to be a simple task but once you got into it you realised you opened Pandora's box. The list of problems is growing exponentially in front of your eyes and it doesn't show any signs of stopping. You check to see if this task is absolutely necessary to do. You groan audibly when … Continue reading It appeared simple →

Not addressing the problem

I was at a rugby match recently. It was the final of a tournament, at the end of a long season. Pretty quickly into the match, it became apparent that the hooker on one team couldn't throw well. He couldn't throw straight and he couldn't make it past the first player. So slowly but surely … Continue reading Not addressing the problem →