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Indi Games (Posted on 2010-04-13) Difficulty: 3 of 5
A games program was inspired by the exploits of "Indiana Jones", naturally modifications were made.

In one set of three events a pair of contestants had to retrieve a "gem".

Within the arena the pair would see a deep circular pit, the only aids allowed to enable their task, their 'prize' and any transformations made to the pit for each scenario.

Scenarios of the three distinct events:
In each case a pit of radius 6 feet has the "gem" dangling over its centre at just above head height as the contestants stand at the edge of the pit. Lightweight, anti-slip aluminium planks are presented as their only aids.
1. The top of a column, 1 foot in diameter, is horizontal to the pit opening and in the very centre of the pit. Two planks, length of 5 feet, are available.
2. The height of the column (in #1) is raised 2 feet above the pit opening. Just one 6 foot plank is available.
3. Only three planks are available and they are 8 feet long, there is no column!

[Bonus] Now it would seem that five planks of about 5 feet in length might also accomplish the task as at #3. How might those be arranged?
Note:
1. Jumping is disallowed and not necessary,
2. Measurements
- for a metric reader's perspectivity multiply each foot by 30.5 cm,
- planks are a little longer than one might expect (but that would be necessary in a real situation), and
3. Disregard plank thickness as it has no bearing within the spirit of the exercise.
(4. In a "real world" situation the partner would only be required for #3, thus two contestants.)

  Submitted by brianjn    
Rating: 4.0000 (1 votes)
Solution: (Hide)
For task 1. Let one plank form a chord to the pit circumference and the other rests from the column edge to the midpoint of our chordal plank.

For task 2. The plank is longer than the pit radius but is longer than the oblique distance from the pit edge to the rim of the upper column surface.

For task 3. Take 3 icypole sticks. Select a central point and lay each stick with one end about two widths passed that point to form an enclosed equilateral triangle about that point. Move each of those ends over the body of the stick to which it is adjacent. The structure is a solid and stable structure under gravity.
 
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Comments: ( You must be logged in to post comments.)
  Subject Author Date
re(3): My thoughts on solutions and posted solution.brianjn2010-04-16 22:41:24
re(2): My thoughts on solutions and posted solution.broll2010-04-16 14:50:32
re: My thoughts on solutions and posted solution.brianjn2010-04-15 22:18:13
My thoughts on solutions and posted solution.Jer2010-04-15 11:20:21
re(5): weaving - ???brianjn2010-04-15 10:23:50
re(4): weaving - good thought, but ...broll2010-04-15 05:00:12
re(3): weaving - good thought, but ...brianjn2010-04-14 22:11:40
re(2): weaving - good thought, but ...broll2010-04-14 15:07:12
re: weaving - good thought, but ...brianjn2010-04-14 06:44:40
Questionweavingbroll2010-04-14 04:20:10
re: Solution?brianjn2010-04-14 03:07:02
Hints/TipsSolution?Corey2010-04-14 02:12:47
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