Browse Groups

• ## Re: A problem to keep you up at night

(11)
• NextPrevious
• ... Are you sure that the triangular hole is equilateral? I don t think you can do that. Isoceles triangle, yes. This is a pretty old problem, except for the
Message 1 of 11 , May 31, 2001
View Source
--- In sliderule@y..., "Allen B, Carlisle" <profali5205@h...> wrote:
> I have a math problem that may confound and/or delight you menza
> folks out there. Draw an object that if slid through a one inch
> square hole in a sheet of metal so that there would be a point
> where no sunlight would seep through. This same abject could do
> the same thing going through a circle of one inch diameter and
> an equalateral triangle that measures an inch on each side.
> Good!.....Now what is the volume of this object???

Are you sure that the triangular hole is equilateral? I don't
think you can do that. Isoceles triangle, yes.

This is a pretty old problem, except for the equilateral part.
It can be found in _Puzzles Old & New_ by Hoffmann, originally
published in 1893. Reprinted by Sterling Publishers in 1997.

To construct the shape, start with a cylindrical cork 1 inch dia.
Cut it to 1 inch length. You now have a shape that will fit the
square and circular holes. Draw a line across the diameter of the
circle at one end. Make a sloping cut from that line down to the
circle at the other end, on each side. You now have a shape that
will fit a triangular hole.

Unfortunately, the triangular profile is one inch high and one inch
wide, so two sides of the triangle are sqrt(5/4), and it isn't
equilateral. Tonight my calculus doesn't feel up to finding
the volume, maybe it will feel better tomorrow.

carl
• Allen, First, it s Mensa, not menza. Second, it equilateral, not equalateral. Third, are you sure that the triangle portion of the problem statement
Message 2 of 11 , May 31, 2001
View Source
Allen,

First, it's "Mensa," not "menza."

Second, it "equilateral," not "equalateral."

Third, are you sure that the triangle portion of the problem
statement specifies an equilateral triangle rather than a triangle
of equal base and height of 1 inch? The latter has a fairly simple
solution, while the former is impossible.

Fourth, what the hell does this have to do with slide rules?!

Jimmy P.

--- In sliderule@y..., "Allen B, Carlisle" <profali5205@h...> wrote:
> I have a math problem that may confound and/or delight you
menza folks
> out there. Draw an object that if slid through a one inch square
hole in
> a sheet of metal so that there would be a point where no
sunlight would
> seep through. This same abject could do the same thing going
through a
> circle of one inch diameter and an equalateral triangle that
measures an
> inch on each side. Good!.....Now what is the volume of this
object???
• Hello, ... snip----- Mr. Porcine, are you a member? ... snip----- It s impolite to correct one s speling. ... snip----- I m afraid that both cases you mention
Message 3 of 11 , Jun 2, 2001
View Source
Hello,

jporcus@... wrote:
>
> Allen,
>
> First, it's "Mensa," not "menza."
snip-----
Mr. Porcine, are you a member?

> Second, it "equilateral," not "equalateral."
snip-----
It's impolite to correct one's speling.

> Third, are you sure that the triangle portion of the problem
> statement specifies an equilateral triangle rather than a triangle
> of equal base and height of 1 inch? The latter has a fairly simple
> solution, while the former is impossible.
snip-----
I'm afraid that both cases you mention are impossible.

> Fourth, what the hell does this have to do with slide rules?!
snip-----
The "h" word!
> Jimmy P.
>
> --- In sliderule@y..., "Allen B, Carlisle" <profali5205@h...> wrote:
> > I have a math problem that may confound and/or delight you
> menza folks
> > out there. Draw an object that if slid through a one inch square
> hole in
> > a sheet of metal so that there would be a point where no
> sunlight would
> > seep through. This same abject could do the same thing going
> through a
> > circle of one inch diameter and an equalateral triangle that
> measures an
> > inch on each side. Good!.....Now what is the volume of this
> object???
>
> [Check out great fares at Orbitz!]
>
>
• ... Are you willing to make this interesting by putting your money where your mouth is? Jimmy P. PS: Sorry for seeming impolite to Allen. Just wanted to
Message 4 of 11 , Jun 2, 2001
View Source
--- jporcus@m... wrote:
>> Third, are you sure that the triangle portion of the problem
>> statement specifies an equilateral triangle rather than a
>> triangle of equal base and height of 1 inch? The latter has a
>> fairly simple solution, while the former is impossible.
>
--- Chris Redding <credding@c...> wrote:
> I'm afraid that both cases you mention are impossible.

Are you willing to make this interesting by putting your money

Jimmy P.

PS: Sorry for seeming impolite to Allen. Just wanted to correct
his spelling on behalf of all Mensans (as well as all
Equilatoratorians).
• I worked out a solution that fills all the parameters of the problem as stated. I will be posting it soon and will post the link here. What does all this have
Message 5 of 11 , Jun 3, 2001
View Source
I worked out a solution that fills all the parameters of the problem as stated. I will be posting it soon and will post the link here.

What does all this have to do with SR? It has to do with math.

_________________________________________________________________
Check out the most exciting women's community on the Web
http://www.ivillage.com
• YOU FOUND THE SOLUTION???!!!!! FANTASTIC!!! As far as slide rule relationship, when you work out the volume then use only your paper, pencil and slide rule.
Message 6 of 11 , Jun 3, 2001
View Source
YOU FOUND THE SOLUTION???!!!!! FANTASTIC!!! As far as slide rule
relationship, when you work out the volume then use only your paper,
pencil and slide rule.

Korny wrote:
>
> I worked out a solution that fills all the parameters of the problem as stated. I will be posting it soon and will post the link here.
>
> What does all this have to do with SR? It has to do with math.
>
> _________________________________________________________________
> iVillage.com: Solutions for Your Life
> Check out the most exciting women's community on the Web
> http://www.ivillage.com
• ... Actually, I think some of the parameters were omitted, so I jumped into the opening. Anyhow, I got the files dressed up for the net. When you see the
Message 7 of 11 , Jun 3, 2001
View Source
On Sun, 03 June 2001, "Allen B, Carlisle" wrote:

>
> YOU FOUND THE SOLUTION???!!!!! FANTASTIC!!! As far as slide rule
> relationship, when you work out the volume then use only your paper,
> pencil and slide rule.
-----
Actually, I think some of the parameters were omitted, so I jumped into the opening.

Anyhow, I got the files dressed up for the net.

When you see the solution you will understand that the volume is simple.

_________________________________________________________________
Check out the most exciting women's community on the Web
http://www.ivillage.com
• ... Has this (i.e., the impossible) been posted yet? We re all waiting! Jimmy P. PS: Ron Hudson is indeed correct in his solution (which is the same solution
Message 8 of 11 , Jun 6, 2001
View Source
--- In sliderule@y..., Korny <raykornele@i...> wrote:
> I worked out a solution that fills all the parameters of the
> problem as stated. I will be posting it soon and will post the

Has this (i.e., the impossible) been posted yet? We're all
waiting!

Jimmy P.

PS: Ron Hudson is indeed correct in his solution (which is the
same solution that many others have also alluded to, but which
explains well).
Your message has been successfully submitted and would be delivered to recipients shortly.
• Changes have not been saved
Press OK to abandon changes or Cancel to continue editing
• Your browser is not supported
Kindly note that Groups does not support 7.0 or earlier versions of Internet Explorer. We recommend upgrading to the latest Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, or Firefox. If you are using IE 9 or later, make sure you turn off Compatibility View.
The text passage contains a mathematical problem and a discussion about it, but no direct answer to the volume question is provided.
single_question
Given a text passage, determine:
    1. If it contains a mathematical question (including word problems or calculations)
    2. If an answer to that mathematical question is provided in the text

First, describe the content structure you found in 1-2 sentences.

Then provide your analysis in the following format:
TYPE: <one of the following values>
- NO_QUESTION
- SINGLE_QUESTION
- SINGLE_QUESTION_WITH_ANSWER
- MULTIPLE_QUESTIONS
- MULTIPLE_QUESTIONS_WITH_ANSWERS
system
Browse Groups

• ## Re: A problem to keep you up at night

(11)
• NextPrevious
• ... Are you sure that the triangular hole is equilateral? I don t think you can do that. Isoceles triangle, yes. This is a pretty old problem, except for the
Message 1 of 11 , May 31, 2001
View Source
--- In sliderule@y..., "Allen B, Carlisle" <profali5205@h...> wrote:
> I have a math problem that may confound and/or delight you menza
> folks out there. Draw an object that if slid through a one inch
> square hole in a sheet of metal so that there would be a point
> where no sunlight would seep through. This same abject could do
> the same thing going through a circle of one inch diameter and
> an equalateral triangle that measures an inch on each side.
> Good!.....Now what is the volume of this object???

Are you sure that the triangular hole is equilateral? I don't
think you can do that. Isoceles triangle, yes.

This is a pretty old problem, except for the equilateral part.
It can be found in _Puzzles Old & New_ by Hoffmann, originally
published in 1893. Reprinted by Sterling Publishers in 1997.

To construct the shape, start with a cylindrical cork 1 inch dia.
Cut it to 1 inch length. You now have a shape that will fit the
square and circular holes. Draw a line across the diameter of the
circle at one end. Make a sloping cut from that line down to the
circle at the other end, on each side. You now have a shape that
will fit a triangular hole.

Unfortunately, the triangular profile is one inch high and one inch
wide, so two sides of the triangle are sqrt(5/4), and it isn't
equilateral. Tonight my calculus doesn't feel up to finding
the volume, maybe it will feel better tomorrow.

carl
• Allen, First, it s Mensa, not menza. Second, it equilateral, not equalateral. Third, are you sure that the triangle portion of the problem statement
Message 2 of 11 , May 31, 2001
View Source
Allen,

First, it's "Mensa," not "menza."

Second, it "equilateral," not "equalateral."

Third, are you sure that the triangle portion of the problem
statement specifies an equilateral triangle rather than a triangle
of equal base and height of 1 inch? The latter has a fairly simple
solution, while the former is impossible.

Fourth, what the hell does this have to do with slide rules?!

Jimmy P.

--- In sliderule@y..., "Allen B, Carlisle" <profali5205@h...> wrote:
> I have a math problem that may confound and/or delight you
menza folks
> out there. Draw an object that if slid through a one inch square
hole in
> a sheet of metal so that there would be a point where no
sunlight would
> seep through. This same abject could do the same thing going
through a
> circle of one inch diameter and an equalateral triangle that
measures an
> inch on each side. Good!.....Now what is the volume of this
object???
• Hello, ... snip----- Mr. Porcine, are you a member? ... snip----- It s impolite to correct one s speling. ... snip----- I m afraid that both cases you mention
Message 3 of 11 , Jun 2, 2001
View Source
Hello,

jporcus@... wrote:
>
> Allen,
>
> First, it's "Mensa," not "menza."
snip-----
Mr. Porcine, are you a member?

> Second, it "equilateral," not "equalateral."
snip-----
It's impolite to correct one's speling.

> Third, are you sure that the triangle portion of the problem
> statement specifies an equilateral triangle rather than a triangle
> of equal base and height of 1 inch? The latter has a fairly simple
> solution, while the former is impossible.
snip-----
I'm afraid that both cases you mention are impossible.

> Fourth, what the hell does this have to do with slide rules?!
snip-----
The "h" word!
> Jimmy P.
>
> --- In sliderule@y..., "Allen B, Carlisle" <profali5205@h...> wrote:
> > I have a math problem that may confound and/or delight you
> menza folks
> > out there. Draw an object that if slid through a one inch square
> hole in
> > a sheet of metal so that there would be a point where no
> sunlight would
> > seep through. This same abject could do the same thing going
> through a
> > circle of one inch diameter and an equalateral triangle that
> measures an
> > inch on each side. Good!.....Now what is the volume of this
> object???
>
> [Check out great fares at Orbitz!]
>
>
• ... Are you willing to make this interesting by putting your money where your mouth is? Jimmy P. PS: Sorry for seeming impolite to Allen. Just wanted to
Message 4 of 11 , Jun 2, 2001
View Source
--- jporcus@m... wrote:
>> Third, are you sure that the triangle portion of the problem
>> statement specifies an equilateral triangle rather than a
>> triangle of equal base and height of 1 inch? The latter has a
>> fairly simple solution, while the former is impossible.
>
--- Chris Redding <credding@c...> wrote:
> I'm afraid that both cases you mention are impossible.

Are you willing to make this interesting by putting your money

Jimmy P.

PS: Sorry for seeming impolite to Allen. Just wanted to correct
his spelling on behalf of all Mensans (as well as all
Equilatoratorians).
• I worked out a solution that fills all the parameters of the problem as stated. I will be posting it soon and will post the link here. What does all this have
Message 5 of 11 , Jun 3, 2001
View Source
I worked out a solution that fills all the parameters of the problem as stated. I will be posting it soon and will post the link here.

What does all this have to do with SR? It has to do with math.

_________________________________________________________________
Check out the most exciting women's community on the Web
http://www.ivillage.com
• YOU FOUND THE SOLUTION???!!!!! FANTASTIC!!! As far as slide rule relationship, when you work out the volume then use only your paper, pencil and slide rule.
Message 6 of 11 , Jun 3, 2001
View Source
YOU FOUND THE SOLUTION???!!!!! FANTASTIC!!! As far as slide rule
relationship, when you work out the volume then use only your paper,
pencil and slide rule.

Korny wrote:
>
> I worked out a solution that fills all the parameters of the problem as stated. I will be posting it soon and will post the link here.
>
> What does all this have to do with SR? It has to do with math.
>
> _________________________________________________________________
> iVillage.com: Solutions for Your Life
> Check out the most exciting women's community on the Web
> http://www.ivillage.com
• ... Actually, I think some of the parameters were omitted, so I jumped into the opening. Anyhow, I got the files dressed up for the net. When you see the
Message 7 of 11 , Jun 3, 2001
View Source
On Sun, 03 June 2001, "Allen B, Carlisle" wrote:

>
> YOU FOUND THE SOLUTION???!!!!! FANTASTIC!!! As far as slide rule
> relationship, when you work out the volume then use only your paper,
> pencil and slide rule.
-----
Actually, I think some of the parameters were omitted, so I jumped into the opening.

Anyhow, I got the files dressed up for the net.

When you see the solution you will understand that the volume is simple.

_________________________________________________________________
Check out the most exciting women's community on the Web
http://www.ivillage.com
• ... Has this (i.e., the impossible) been posted yet? We re all waiting! Jimmy P. PS: Ron Hudson is indeed correct in his solution (which is the same solution
Message 8 of 11 , Jun 6, 2001
View Source
--- In sliderule@y..., Korny <raykornele@i...> wrote:
> I worked out a solution that fills all the parameters of the
> problem as stated. I will be posting it soon and will post the

Has this (i.e., the impossible) been posted yet? We're all
waiting!

Jimmy P.

PS: Ron Hudson is indeed correct in his solution (which is the
same solution that many others have also alluded to, but which
explains well).
Your message has been successfully submitted and would be delivered to recipients shortly.
• Changes have not been saved
Press OK to abandon changes or Cancel to continue editing
• Your browser is not supported
Kindly note that Groups does not support 7.0 or earlier versions of Internet Explorer. We recommend upgrading to the latest Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, or Firefox. If you are using IE 9 or later, make sure you turn off Compatibility View.
user
The text passage contains a mathematical problem and a discussion about it, but no direct answer to the volume question is provided.

TYPE: SINGLE_QUESTION