• Log InLog In
  • Register
Liquid`
Team Liquid Liquipedia
EDT 01:16
CEST 07:16
KST 14:16
  • Home
  • Forum
  • Calendar
  • Streams
  • Liquipedia
  • Features
  • Store
  • EPT
  • TL+
  • StarCraft 2
  • Brood War
  • Smash
  • Heroes
  • Counter-Strike
  • Overwatch
  • Liquibet
  • Fantasy StarCraft
  • TLPD
  • StarCraft 2
  • Brood War
  • Blogs
Forum Sidebar
Events/Features
News
Featured News
[ASL20] Ro24 Preview Pt2: Take-Off7[ASL20] Ro24 Preview Pt1: Runway132v2 & SC: Evo Complete: Weekend Double Feature4Team Liquid Map Contest #21 - Presented by Monster Energy9uThermal's 2v2 Tour: $15,000 Main Event18
Community News
Weekly Cups (Aug 18-24): herO dethrones MaxPax6Maestros of The Game—$20k event w/ live finals in Paris31Weekly Cups (Aug 11-17): MaxPax triples again!13Weekly Cups (Aug 4-10): MaxPax wins a triple6SC2's Safe House 2 - October 18 & 195
StarCraft 2
General
Geoff 'iNcontroL' Robinson has passed away #1: Maru - Greatest Players of All Time #2: Serral - Greatest Players of All Time I hope balance council is prepping final balance Aligulac - Europe takes the podium
Tourneys
Esports World Cup 2025 Sparkling Tuna Cup - Weekly Open Tournament Maestros of The Game—$20k event w/ live finals in Paris WardiTV Mondays RSL: Revival, a new crowdfunded tournament series
Strategy
Custom Maps
External Content
Mutation # 488 What Goes Around Mutation # 487 Think Fast Mutation # 486 Watch the Skies Mutation # 485 Death from Below
Brood War
General
BSL Polish World Championship 2025 20-21 September BGH Auto Balance -> http://bghmmr.eu/ ASL Season 20 Ro24 Groups Flash On His 2010 "God" Form, Mind Games, vs JD No Rain in ASL20?
Tourneys
[Megathread] Daily Proleagues [IPSL] CSLAN Review and CSLPRO Reimagined! [ASL20] Ro24 Group F [ASL20] Ro24 Group D
Strategy
Muta micro map competition Simple Questions, Simple Answers Fighting Spirit mining rates [G] Mineral Boosting
Other Games
General Games
Stormgate/Frost Giant Megathread Nintendo Switch Thread General RTS Discussion Thread Dawn of War IV Path of Exile
Dota 2
Official 'what is Dota anymore' discussion
League of Legends
Heroes of the Storm
Simple Questions, Simple Answers Heroes of the Storm 2.0
Hearthstone
Heroes of StarCraft mini-set
TL Mafia
TL Mafia Community Thread Vanilla Mini Mafia
Community
General
US Politics Mega-thread Russo-Ukrainian War Thread Things Aren’t Peaceful in Palestine The year 2050 European Politico-economics QA Mega-thread
Fan Clubs
INnoVation Fan Club SKT1 Classic Fan Club!
Media & Entertainment
Anime Discussion Thread Movie Discussion! [Manga] One Piece [\m/] Heavy Metal Thread
Sports
2024 - 2026 Football Thread Formula 1 Discussion TeamLiquid Health and Fitness Initiative For 2023
World Cup 2022
Tech Support
High temperatures on bridge(s) Gtx660 graphics card replacement Installation of Windows 10 suck at "just a moment"
TL Community
The Automated Ban List TeamLiquid Team Shirt On Sale
Blogs
RTS Design in Hypercoven
a11
Evil Gacha Games and the…
ffswowsucks
Breaking the Meta: Non-Stand…
TrAiDoS
INDEPENDIENTE LA CTM
XenOsky
[Girl blog} My fema…
artosisisthebest
Sharpening the Filtration…
frozenclaw
Customize Sidebar...

Website Feedback

Closed Threads



Active: 2649 users

Nerdy Math Problem

Blogs > Byo
Post a Reply
1 2 3 4 Next All
Byo
Profile Blog Joined July 2007
Canada207 Posts
April 21 2009 01:48 GMT
#1
I remember long ago someone shared this problem with me and I wasn't able to finish it all. And since people around here seem to be pretty good with these so here it is.

Note I still don't know the answers.

2 People crash land on a planet (person A and B) and end up on 2 random points on the planet (sphere)

Under the following assumptions, what is the quickest way in which person A should find person B

1) person B stands still
2) person B wants to find person A as well
3) person B does not want person A to find him.

coolcrimefighter
Profile Blog Joined November 2008
United States378 Posts
April 21 2009 01:49 GMT
#2
Its not something gay like "They both can't survive in space so they're both dead" is it?
ShinyGerbil
Profile Blog Joined June 2008
Canada519 Posts
April 21 2009 01:53 GMT
#3
under no means is this for sure right, but it seems to me like 1) and 2) are the same, standing still is the most likely way to be found. and under each case, person A should just walk wherever he wants, without retracing his steps.

in 3), person B will just walk randomly, and so will person A...
[s]savior[/s] jaedong fighting! // member of LighT eSports
Fontong
Profile Blog Joined December 2007
United States6454 Posts
April 21 2009 01:55 GMT
#4
1) Probably person A should call person B and ask them where the fuck they are then go find their lazy ass

2) I guess person A can call person B and they could meet up at a coffee shop or something

3) I guess A has to look for B
[SECRET FONT] "Dragoon bunker"
Zozma
Profile Blog Joined November 2008
United States1626 Posts
April 21 2009 02:04 GMT
#5
Meet at the wreckage of the spaceship, obviously.
Deleted User 3420
Profile Blog Joined May 2003
24492 Posts
Last Edited: 2009-04-21 02:08:22
April 21 2009 02:04 GMT
#6
This question is weird. I don't understand how we can answer this without knowing more about the alien planet and the people who have crashed.

Do they have any equipment? What is the terrain like? Is there light? Is there water? Have person A and B discussed a strategy for this situation beforehand?

Are the 3 assumptions all combined into one question? Or are they 3 different scenarios ?
jeppew
Profile Joined April 2009
Sweden471 Posts
April 21 2009 02:08 GMT
#7
1. if B just sits still A will eventually find if he doesn't repeat his steps.


in 2 and 3 they can miss eachother and wander around forever.
Byo
Profile Blog Joined July 2007
Canada207 Posts
April 21 2009 02:09 GMT
#8
they are variables.......... ie. under 1) the answer is for A to move in a spiral motion so it takes the least amount of time to cover the surface of the sphere.

I'm guessing 2) means that B will be moving in the same way as A... (they want to find each other)... but what that way is, i don't know.
Fontong
Profile Blog Joined December 2007
United States6454 Posts
April 21 2009 02:09 GMT
#9
Imo this blog's title should be changed to "Deserted XCII"

And we seriously need an illustration -__-
[SECRET FONT] "Dragoon bunker"
Deleted User 3420
Profile Blog Joined May 2003
24492 Posts
Last Edited: 2009-04-21 02:14:25
April 21 2009 02:13 GMT
#10
On April 21 2009 11:09 Byo wrote:
they are variables.......... ie. under 1) the answer is for A to move in a spiral motion so it takes the least amount of time to cover the surface of the sphere.



ah so these problems are to be looked at mathematically then ?


It would seem to me that 1, 2, and 3 all have the same answer.
Divinek
Profile Blog Joined November 2006
Canada4045 Posts
Last Edited: 2009-04-21 02:14:14
April 21 2009 02:13 GMT
#11

Under the following assumptions, what is the quickest way in which person A should find person B

3) person B does not want person A to find him.



so shouldnt it be impossible if B is trying to hide from A?

I mean yeah I guess he's standing still, but what is point of the third option then if he cant hide?
Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.
Oh goodness me, FOX tv where do you get your sight? Can't you keep track, the puck is black. That's why the ice is white.
Byo
Profile Blog Joined July 2007
Canada207 Posts
April 21 2009 02:15 GMT
#12
On April 21 2009 11:13 Divinek wrote:
Show nested quote +

Under the following assumptions, what is the quickest way in which person A should find person B

3) person B does not want person A to find him.



so shouldnt it be impossible if B is trying to hide from A?

I mean yeah I guess he's standing still, but what is point of the third option then if he cant hide?


I believe its assumed that they have the same range of vision so if B sees A then A is able to see B
Byo
Profile Blog Joined July 2007
Canada207 Posts
April 21 2009 02:17 GMT
#13
On April 21 2009 11:13 travis wrote:
Show nested quote +
On April 21 2009 11:09 Byo wrote:
they are variables.......... ie. under 1) the answer is for A to move in a spiral motion so it takes the least amount of time to cover the surface of the sphere.



ah so these problems are to be looked at mathematically then ?


It would seem to me that 1, 2, and 3 all have the same answer.


yup all mathematically... I'm sure they don't have the same answer......
Mastermind
Profile Blog Joined April 2008
Canada7096 Posts
April 21 2009 02:20 GMT
#14
what makes this a nerdy question?
sixghost
Profile Blog Joined November 2007
United States2096 Posts
April 21 2009 02:20 GMT
#15
On April 21 2009 11:13 Divinek wrote:
Show nested quote +

Under the following assumptions, what is the quickest way in which person A should find person B

3) person B does not want person A to find him.



so shouldnt it be impossible if B is trying to hide from A?

I mean yeah I guess he's standing still, but what is point of the third option then if he cant hide?

I think the difference in the 3rd problem is that you are supposed to assume that person B will move in a pattern that is not optimal for the two people to meet.
mG.sixghost @ iCCup || One ling, two ling, three ling, four... Camp four gas, then ultra-whore . -Saracen
meeple
Profile Blog Joined April 2009
Canada10211 Posts
Last Edited: 2009-04-21 02:37:16
April 21 2009 02:26 GMT
#16
1) A quick exhaustive search of the sphere is the fastest method, If you imagine the sphere to be composed of a grid, there are a finite number of points to search and no best way to do it. Essentially its like asking whats the quickest way of looking in five holes... just look dammit.

2) The fastest way to find a person is if they stand still. So see the above answer. The reason for this is because this method is guaranteed to end, there are a finite number of places on the sphere and if they stay in one, they will eventually be found, which is why this is the method that search ad rescue crews tell people.

3) Well, you only have two options, you can either stay still or move around pretty randomly, and since staying still means you will eventually be found, then keep moving, and if you're really lucky, you can always avoid the person, but generally speaking you will avoid them for much longer than staying in the same spot.
Deleted User 3420
Profile Blog Joined May 2003
24492 Posts
April 21 2009 02:28 GMT
#17
On April 21 2009 11:20 sixghost wrote:
Show nested quote +
On April 21 2009 11:13 Divinek wrote:

Under the following assumptions, what is the quickest way in which person A should find person B

3) person B does not want person A to find him.



so shouldnt it be impossible if B is trying to hide from A?

I mean yeah I guess he's standing still, but what is point of the third option then if he cant hide?

I think the difference in the 3rd problem is that you are supposed to assume that person B will move in a pattern that is not optimal for the two people to meet.



but no such pattern exists when he doesn't know what pattern the other guy will take

all moving does for person B is increase the variance in time it will take for person A to find him. It may make it faster, or it may make it slower. The average amount of time stays the same, no?
Carnivorous Sheep
Profile Blog Joined November 2008
Baa?21243 Posts
April 21 2009 02:30 GMT
#18
This isn't math.
TranslatorBaa!
Deleted User 3420
Profile Blog Joined May 2003
24492 Posts
April 21 2009 02:31 GMT
#19
I could understand this problem if:

1.) person B knew where person A landed
2.) person B knew that person A would take a pattern that maximized his odds of finding person B
Athos
Profile Blog Joined February 2008
United States2484 Posts
April 21 2009 02:37 GMT
#20
2) makes the most sense

If they both want to find each other than they will find each other. Hell, they may know something not mentioned.

And yeah, this is not math.
1 2 3 4 Next All
Please log in or register to reply.
Live Events Refresh
Replay Cast
00:00
SEL S2 Championship: Ro16
LiquipediaDiscussion
[ Submit Event ]
Live Streams
Refresh
StarCraft 2
ProTech65
StarCraft: Brood War
Leta 594
PianO 160
Zeus 109
Nal_rA 100
ggaemo 48
Noble 22
Bale 14
Icarus 11
NaDa 8
Dota 2
NeuroSwarm94
League of Legends
JimRising 731
Counter-Strike
Stewie2K692
Coldzera 161
Other Games
tarik_tv9540
summit1g7825
shahzam734
singsing565
C9.Mang0406
Maynarde158
Organizations
StarCraft 2
Blizzard YouTube
StarCraft: Brood War
BSLTrovo
sctven
[ Show 15 non-featured ]
StarCraft 2
• Berry_CruncH196
• practicex 31
• AfreecaTV YouTube
• intothetv
• Kozan
• IndyKCrew
• LaughNgamezSOOP
• Migwel
• sooper7s
StarCraft: Brood War
• Diggity10
• BSLYoutube
• STPLYoutube
• ZZZeroYoutube
League of Legends
• Rush1258
• Lourlo1012
Upcoming Events
The PondCast
4h 44m
WardiTV Summer Champion…
5h 44m
herO vs MaxPax
Clem vs Classic
Replay Cast
18h 44m
LiuLi Cup
1d 5h
MaxPax vs TriGGeR
ByuN vs herO
Cure vs Rogue
Classic vs HeRoMaRinE
Cosmonarchy
1d 10h
OyAji vs Sziky
Sziky vs WolFix
WolFix vs OyAji
Big Brain Bouts
1d 10h
Iba vs GgMaChine
TriGGeR vs Bunny
Reynor vs Classic
Serral vs Clem
BSL Team Wars
1d 13h
Team Hawk vs Team Dewalt
BSL Team Wars
1d 13h
Team Hawk vs Team Bonyth
SC Evo League
2 days
TaeJa vs Cure
Rogue vs threepoint
ByuN vs Creator
MaNa vs Classic
Maestros of the Game
2 days
ShoWTimE vs Cham
GuMiho vs Ryung
Zoun vs Spirit
Rogue vs MaNa
[ Show More ]
[BSL 2025] Weekly
2 days
SC Evo League
3 days
Maestros of the Game
3 days
SHIN vs Creator
Astrea vs Lambo
Bunny vs SKillous
HeRoMaRinE vs TriGGeR
BSL Team Wars
3 days
Team Bonyth vs Team Sziky
BSL Team Wars
3 days
Team Dewalt vs Team Sziky
Monday Night Weeklies
4 days
Replay Cast
4 days
Sparkling Tuna Cup
5 days
Replay Cast
6 days
Liquipedia Results

Completed

CSL Season 18: Qualifier 1
uThermal 2v2 Main Event
HCC Europe

Ongoing

Copa Latinoamericana 4
BSL 20 Team Wars
KCM Race Survival 2025 Season 3
BSL 21 Qualifiers
ASL Season 20
Acropolis #4 - TS1
CSL Season 18: Qualifier 2
SEL Season 2 Championship
WardiTV Summer 2025
BLAST Open Fall Qual
Esports World Cup 2025
BLAST Bounty Fall 2025
BLAST Bounty Fall Qual
IEM Cologne 2025
FISSURE Playground #1
BLAST.tv Austin Major 2025

Upcoming

CSL 2025 AUTUMN (S18)
LASL Season 20
BSL Season 21
BSL 21 Team A
Chzzk MurlocKing SC1 vs SC2 Cup #2
RSL Revival: Season 2
Maestros of the Game
EC S1
Sisters' Call Cup
Skyesports Masters 2025
IEM Chengdu 2025
PGL Masters Bucharest 2025
MESA Nomadic Masters Fall
Thunderpick World Champ.
CS Asia Championships 2025
Roobet Cup 2025
ESL Pro League S22
StarSeries Fall 2025
FISSURE Playground #2
BLAST Open Fall 2025
TLPD

1. ByuN
2. TY
3. Dark
4. Solar
5. Stats
6. Nerchio
7. sOs
8. soO
9. INnoVation
10. Elazer
1. Rain
2. Flash
3. EffOrt
4. Last
5. Bisu
6. Soulkey
7. Mini
8. Sharp
Sidebar Settings...

Advertising | Privacy Policy | Terms Of Use | Contact Us

Original banner artwork: Jim Warren
The contents of this webpage are copyright © 2025 TLnet. All Rights Reserved.