 |
Monty Hall's Game - A Probability Question
Thursday, November 29, 2007
|
This post is particularly for math teachers and those who enjoy mathematics. The Treasure Hunt makes use of a mathematical riddle called the "Three Door Puzzle" or the "Monty Hall Game" - this is a puzzle that inspires some controversy among people who like to ponder the weighty matters of the universe (like: how can I win a million dollars in a game show?)
The Puzzle/riddle/game is explained here: The Monty Hall Game. Visit that page not just to learn about the game, but also to play it online, and find out the truth about it!
There is also an explanation of the puzzle here: Choosing The Right Door. Yesterday someone visited that page and posted an argument that the correct solution is, in fact, not correct. Since he signed his name "Monty Hall", I wasn't sure whether he was trying to be funny or serious. But I decided it would be a good idea to have this simulation online for anyone who wants to try it out.
Also, for math teachers, it might be a good discussion starter to have your students read both the article linked above and the dissenting opinion on that page. Then, when they've read and discussed and argued, let them play the simulation.
 Labels: math, monty hall, probability, theproblemsite
posted by Douglas Twitchell at
|
|
This Week's Brainfood Puzzle
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
|
Thought I'd drop just a quick note here to say...check out this week's BrainFood Puzzle.
Last week's puzzle had a lot of solvers, but this week...not so many! Can you figure it out before the solution is posted on Sunday?Labels: brainfood, puzzle, theproblemsite
posted by Douglas Twitchell at
|
|
Christmas Shopping - Puzzles, Games and Educational Resources
Friday, November 23, 2007
|
Good morning! I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving. In my family we had 22 people gathered around one table (okay, it was actually a couple tables put end to end!) Five generations together in one room.
And the food was great, too. :)
There are a couple reasons for this post. First, to remind everyone that with Black Friday upon us, Amazon has Black Friday Deals, which you can take advantage of without ever leaving the comfort of your own internet connection.
Second, you'll want to check out the new look to The Puzzler Store home page. This page will be especially useful if you're looking for ideas for Christmas gifts!
A year ago I had the idea of providing a place where members at The Problem Site, Quote Puzzler and Tile Puzzler could share their favorite puzzles, games, toys and educational resources.
How better to get good recommendations than to ask real puzzle enthusiasts for their favorites?
Initially, the site used Amazon's a-store as a framework, but while the a-store was good for displaying a lot of products, the setup was not conducive to getting the real puzzle enthusiasts (you!) actively involved.
So, starting last night, there's a new structure to the site. A few selected members at Quote Puzzler and Tile Puzzler have the ability to write reviews of products they enjoy. If you are a member at any of the Puzzler Sites (QP, TP, or TPS) and are interested in testing out this new feature by writing your own product reviews, send me an email telling me which site you're on, what your display name is, and I may add you into the list of testers for this new feature.Labels: puzzler-store
posted by Douglas Twitchell at
|
|
Picture Word Game Addition
Thursday, November 15, 2007
|
Mike recently requested a couple new features on The Problem Site. I haven't had a chance to do them both, but I have done one.
Mike observed that it would be awfully nice to have definitions of the words used in the Picture Word Game. Since we only have a word list, rather than an actual dictionary, this is accomplished in the same way as it's accomplished in the Hangman Game: by paying a visit to Dictionary.com
When you finish your "Picture Word Game", whether you figured out the word or not, a link titled "Definition" appears next to the word. Click this link to pop open the definition in a new window.
You'll learn a lot that way, because this game uses some very obscure words!
Thanks for the suggestion, Mike!Labels: picture word game, theproblemsite
posted by Douglas Twitchell at
|
|
Games, Games, More Games...
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
|
Sunday I was visiting with some of my young nephews and my niece, and one of them said to me: "Why didn't you post a notice about the new game on The Problem Site?"
My mistake. :D
So, in case you didn't notice it, you'll want to check out this game: The Picture Word Game - Find the secret word to uncover the secret picture.
I wanted to let everyone know that with three thousand Entrapment Puzzles on the site, people have been working very hard at solving them. As of today, there are only 73 Entrapments which have never been solved. Keep up the good work, and lets see if we can bring that number down to ZERO!
(And for those who were skeptical that they could all be solved, I hope you're starting to believe now!)
Finally, I wanted to let everyone know, if you are not yet a subscriber at Quote Puzzler, or your subscription is scheduled to expire before Christmas of 2007, I strongly encourage you to subscribe (or resubscribe, as the case may be) before December 1st.
Why? Because on December 1st, I will have a special treat that will be available to subscribed members only.
Am I going to tell you what it is? NOPE! I'm not! :DLabels: entrapment, picture word game, quote-puzzler, theproblemsite
posted by Douglas Twitchell at
|
|
High School Math Problems
Saturday, November 10, 2007
|
I know some of you have been chomping at the bit for Graeme's new High School Math Problem for the month of November. You'll be happy to know Graeme is back, and has a brand new math challenge for you! Be sure to stop by and check it out!Labels: math, theproblemsite
posted by Douglas Twitchell at
|
|
Picture Word Game
Monday, November 5, 2007
|
In case you haven't noticed it, there's a new game at The Problem Site. The game is kind of a Reverse Hangman game- instead of a picture being revealed as you make incorrect guesses, a picture is revealed as you make correct guesses.
There are approximately 22,000 words in the game (but not nearly that many pictures!), so you won't run out of words to play for a very long time.
Here's the game:
The Picture Word Game
Enjoy!Labels: picture word game, theproblemsite
posted by Douglas Twitchell at
|
| |
| The Puzzler Blog |
The Puzzler Blog gives information about what's new at Virtu Software's puzzle sites.
You can subscribe to this blog by clicking the syndication icon below.
|
|
