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Re: Sort of off topic. . .puzzles

To: sdillen@ca.ibm.com
Subject: Re: Sort of off topic. . .puzzles
From: Scott Hall <sch8489@garnet.acns.fsu.edu>
Date: Fri, 26 Jan 2001 18:54:16 -0500 (EST)
On Fri, 26 Jan 2001 sdillen@ca.ibm.com wrote:

> You are given 2 pieces of string and a book of matches.  The two pieces of
> string are of different diameter and length.  You are told that each string
> will burn in exactly 30 minutes -- but that the rate of burn will not be
> constant.  Using only the items given, explain how you can time exactly 45
> minutes.  You have 15 minutes to come up with an answer. . .

1) light one string at one end.  let it burn.  time: 30 minutes.

2) when string #1 finishes, light the other string at both ends (at the
same time).  let it burn.  time for string #2: 15 minutes.  total time: 45
minutes.

scott

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