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MSBKO6 Round 1 - Math
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Mark Brader
May 7, 2017, 6:37:45 PM5/7/17
to
Here is another knockout contest, as originated in 2012 by the
person posting as "Calvin". This one is on the theme of science
(including technology), and within that broad subject, each question
will refer to a different field.
Naturally, all questions are to be answered based on your own
knowledge without using any sort of assistance, including aids
to calculation.
I will accept any reasonable notation for answers. Where I ask
for a value that is dimensioned by a unit of measurement, you must
explicitly state which unit you are using -- for example, 100 kg
or 220 lb. -- and I will accept any reasonable choice of unit.
For Round 1, I'll accept entries for 7 days from the moment
of posting (that is, until about 6:40 pm EDT on Sunday, May 14),
*OR* until there is a period of 48 hours without a new entry --
*WHICHEVER COMES FIRST*! (Based on previous contests, in practice
I think the 48-hour deadline is more likely to come first.)
After the first round, this becomes a closed contest -- only those
who have survived the earlier rounds may continue to enter.
For the later rounds you will have a maximum of 4 days to enter,
though I would prefer, and in practice expect, a faster pace.
On each round, the person whose answer is farthest from the correct
value is eliminated. "Farthest" will be determined by the ratio
of the larger of the two values (answer given and correct answer)
to the smaller -- for example, if the correct answer is 100 kg,
then an answer of 20 kg, or 1/5 of the correct number, is farther
off than 200 kg, or 2 times the correct number.
In case of a tie for farthest, among those entrants the last to
enter is eliminated -- unless everyone gets the exact correct
answer, in which case everyone survives and there will be an
extra round.
This continues until there is a single winner.
Please post your answers in the thread as a followup to the question
posting; but if you have technical difficulties, I will also accept
answers by email.
Have fun and let's have lots of entries so that there are lots
of rounds.
Question 1 is about math:
1. What is the numerical value of pi squared?
--
Mark Brader | "Sir, your composure baffles me. A single counterexample
Toronto | refutes a conjecture as effectively as ten... Hands up!
m...@vex.net | You have to surrender." -- Imre Lakatos
My text in this article is in the public domain.
person posting as "Calvin". This one is on the theme of science
(including technology), and within that broad subject, each question
will refer to a different field.
Naturally, all questions are to be answered based on your own
knowledge without using any sort of assistance, including aids
to calculation.
I will accept any reasonable notation for answers. Where I ask
for a value that is dimensioned by a unit of measurement, you must
explicitly state which unit you are using -- for example, 100 kg
or 220 lb. -- and I will accept any reasonable choice of unit.
For Round 1, I'll accept entries for 7 days from the moment
of posting (that is, until about 6:40 pm EDT on Sunday, May 14),
*OR* until there is a period of 48 hours without a new entry --
*WHICHEVER COMES FIRST*! (Based on previous contests, in practice
I think the 48-hour deadline is more likely to come first.)
After the first round, this becomes a closed contest -- only those
who have survived the earlier rounds may continue to enter.
For the later rounds you will have a maximum of 4 days to enter,
though I would prefer, and in practice expect, a faster pace.
On each round, the person whose answer is farthest from the correct
value is eliminated. "Farthest" will be determined by the ratio
of the larger of the two values (answer given and correct answer)
to the smaller -- for example, if the correct answer is 100 kg,
then an answer of 20 kg, or 1/5 of the correct number, is farther
off than 200 kg, or 2 times the correct number.
In case of a tie for farthest, among those entrants the last to
enter is eliminated -- unless everyone gets the exact correct
answer, in which case everyone survives and there will be an
extra round.
This continues until there is a single winner.
Please post your answers in the thread as a followup to the question
posting; but if you have technical difficulties, I will also accept
answers by email.
Have fun and let's have lots of entries so that there are lots
of rounds.
Question 1 is about math:
1. What is the numerical value of pi squared?
--
Mark Brader | "Sir, your composure baffles me. A single counterexample
Toronto | refutes a conjecture as effectively as ten... Hands up!
m...@vex.net | You have to surrender." -- Imre Lakatos
My text in this article is in the public domain.
Calvin
May 7, 2017, 7:33:20 PM5/7/17
to
cheers,
calvin
Dan Blum
May 7, 2017, 7:54:29 PM5/7/17
to
Mark Brader <m...@vex.net> wrote:
> Question 1 is about math:
> 1. What is the numerical value of pi squared?
9.9
> Question 1 is about math:
> 1. What is the numerical value of pi squared?
--
_______________________________________________________________________
Dan Blum to...@panix.com
"I wouldn't have believed it myself if I hadn't just made it up."
Marc Dashevsky
May 8, 2017, 1:22:22 AM5/8/17
to
In article <fIedndVLPK8uPJLE...@giganews.com>, m...@vex.net says...
--
Replace "usenet" with "marc" in the e-mail address.
>
> Question 1 is about math:
>
> 1. What is the numerical value of pi squared?
9.9
> Question 1 is about math:
>
> 1. What is the numerical value of pi squared?
--
Replace "usenet" with "marc" in the e-mail address.
Erland Sommarskog
May 8, 2017, 2:58:49 AM5/8/17
to
Mark Brader (m...@vex.net) writes:
> Question 1 is about math:
>
> 1. What is the numerical value of pi squared?
>
9.861
> Question 1 is about math:
>
> 1. What is the numerical value of pi squared?
>
--
Erland Sommarskog, Stockholm, esq...@sommarskog.se
Dan Tilque
May 8, 2017, 3:47:41 AM5/8/17
to
Mark Brader wrote:
>
>
> Question 1 is about math:
>
> 1. What is the numerical value of pi squared?
9.8
>
>
> Question 1 is about math:
>
> 1. What is the numerical value of pi squared?
--
Dan Tilque
gwo...@gmail.com
May 8, 2017, 4:21:23 AM5/8/17
to
On Sunday, May 7, 2017 at 11:37:45 PM UTC+1, Mark Brader wrote:
> Naturally, all questions are to be answered based on your own
> knowledge without using any sort of assistance, including aids
> to calculation.
Does a pencil / paper fall under this category, or am I restricted to mental arithmetic?
> Naturally, all questions are to be answered based on your own
> knowledge without using any sort of assistance, including aids
> to calculation.
Peter Smyth
May 8, 2017, 4:22:51 AM5/8/17
to
Mark Brader wrote:
> Question 1 is about math:
>
> 1. What is the numerical value of pi squared?
9.869
> Question 1 is about math:
>
> 1. What is the numerical value of pi squared?
Peter Smyth
Mark Brader
May 8, 2017, 5:40:15 AM5/8/17
to
Mark Brader:
If you construct an analog computer using origami or if the paper has
information already written on it, say, then that might be different.
--
Mark Brader "I used to own a mind like a steel trap.
Toronto Perhaps if I'd specified a brass one, it
m...@vex.net wouldn't have rusted like this." --Greg Goss
"I have a mind like a steel trap.
It's hard to pry open." --Michael Wares
> > Naturally, all questions are to be answered based on your own
> > knowledge without using any sort of assistance, including aids
> > to calculation.
Gareth Owen:
> > knowledge without using any sort of assistance, including aids
> > to calculation.
> Does a pencil / paper fall under this category, or am I restricted to
> mental arithmetic?
Writing on paper does not constitute assistance to knowing the answer.
> mental arithmetic?
If you construct an analog computer using origami or if the paper has
information already written on it, say, then that might be different.
--
Mark Brader "I used to own a mind like a steel trap.
Toronto Perhaps if I'd specified a brass one, it
m...@vex.net wouldn't have rusted like this." --Greg Goss
"I have a mind like a steel trap.
It's hard to pry open." --Michael Wares
ArenEss
May 8, 2017, 7:15:16 AM5/8/17
to
On Sun, 07 May 2017 17:37:39 -0500, m...@vex.net (Mark Brader) wrote:
>
>Question 1 is about math:
>
>1. What is the numerical value of pi squared?
Depends on how many decimal places you want to go out to, but
>
>Question 1 is about math:
>
>1. What is the numerical value of pi squared?
9.8696045671 I hope is sufficient.
ArenEss
Bruce
May 8, 2017, 7:41:49 AM5/8/17
to
> Question 1 is about math:
>
> 1. What is the numerical value of pi squared?
Joshua Kreitzer
May 8, 2017, 9:26:23 AM5/8/17
to
m...@vex.net (Mark Brader) wrote in news:fIedndVLPK8uPJLEnZ2dnUU7-
aXN...@giganews.com:
> Here is another knockout contest, as originated in 2012 by the
> person posting as "Calvin". This one is on the theme of science
> (including technology), and within that broad subject, each question
> will refer to a different field.
>
> Naturally, all questions are to be answered based on your own
> knowledge without using any sort of assistance, including aids
> to calculation.
>
> I will accept any reasonable notation for answers. Where I ask
> for a value that is dimensioned by a unit of measurement, you must
> explicitly state which unit you are using -- for example, 100 kg
> or 220 lb. -- and I will accept any reasonable choice of unit.
>
> For Round 1, I'll accept entries for 7 days from the moment
> of posting (that is, until about 6:40 pm EDT on Sunday, May 14),
> *OR* until there is a period of 48 hours without a new entry --
> *WHICHEVER COMES FIRST*! (Based on previous contests, in practice
> I think the 48-hour deadline is more likely to come first.)
>
> After the first round, this becomes a closed contest -- only those
> who have survived the earlier rounds may continue to enter.
>
> For the later rounds you will have a maximum of 4 days to enter,
> though I would prefer, and in practice expect, a faster pace.
>
--
Joshua Kreitzer
grom...@hotmail.com
aXN...@giganews.com:
> Here is another knockout contest, as originated in 2012 by the
> person posting as "Calvin". This one is on the theme of science
> (including technology), and within that broad subject, each question
> will refer to a different field.
>
> Naturally, all questions are to be answered based on your own
> knowledge without using any sort of assistance, including aids
> to calculation.
>
> I will accept any reasonable notation for answers. Where I ask
> for a value that is dimensioned by a unit of measurement, you must
> explicitly state which unit you are using -- for example, 100 kg
> or 220 lb. -- and I will accept any reasonable choice of unit.
>
> For Round 1, I'll accept entries for 7 days from the moment
> of posting (that is, until about 6:40 pm EDT on Sunday, May 14),
> *OR* until there is a period of 48 hours without a new entry --
> *WHICHEVER COMES FIRST*! (Based on previous contests, in practice
> I think the 48-hour deadline is more likely to come first.)
>
> After the first round, this becomes a closed contest -- only those
> who have survived the earlier rounds may continue to enter.
>
> For the later rounds you will have a maximum of 4 days to enter,
> though I would prefer, and in practice expect, a faster pace.
>
> Please post your answers in the thread as a followup to the question
> posting; but if you have technical difficulties, I will also accept
> answers by email.
>
> Have fun and let's have lots of entries so that there are lots
> of rounds.
>
>
> Question 1 is about math:
>
> 1. What is the numerical value of pi squared?
>
9.8696877281
> posting; but if you have technical difficulties, I will also accept
> answers by email.
>
> Have fun and let's have lots of entries so that there are lots
> of rounds.
>
>
> Question 1 is about math:
>
> 1. What is the numerical value of pi squared?
>
--
Joshua Kreitzer
grom...@hotmail.com
Marc Dashevsky
May 8, 2017, 1:19:15 PM5/8/17
to
In article <g_2dnUTPa6JkoY3E...@giganews.com>, m...@vex.net says...
>
> Mark Brader:
> > > Naturally, all questions are to be answered based on your own
> > > knowledge without using any sort of assistance, including aids
> > > to calculation.
>
> Gareth Owen:
> > Does a pencil / paper fall under this category, or am I restricted to
> > mental arithmetic?
>
> Writing on paper does not constitute assistance to knowing the answer.
In that case, I'd like to change my answer to 9.87.
> Mark Brader:
> > > Naturally, all questions are to be answered based on your own
> > > knowledge without using any sort of assistance, including aids
> > > to calculation.
>
> Gareth Owen:
> > Does a pencil / paper fall under this category, or am I restricted to
> > mental arithmetic?
>
> Writing on paper does not constitute assistance to knowing the answer.
Mark Brader
May 8, 2017, 3:47:09 PM5/8/17
to
Marc Dashevsky:
--
Mark Brader, Toronto | "Dystypsia."
m...@vex.net | --Michael Wares gives the reason for a typo
> In that case, I'd like to change my answer to 9.87.
Okay, if you did not look at anyone else's answer before posting this.
--
Mark Brader, Toronto | "Dystypsia."
m...@vex.net | --Michael Wares gives the reason for a typo
Marc Dashevsky
May 8, 2017, 3:58:09 PM5/8/17
to
In article <Vrednd8QaqilVo3E...@giganews.com>, m...@vex.net says...
the process of multiplication with pen and paper. I understand that
you are not likely to allow the revised answer.
>
> Marc Dashevsky:
> > In that case, I'd like to change my answer to 9.87.
>
> Okay, if you did not look at anyone else's answer before posting this.
I have seen other answers, but I derived the revised answer solely through
> Marc Dashevsky:
> > In that case, I'd like to change my answer to 9.87.
>
> Okay, if you did not look at anyone else's answer before posting this.
the process of multiplication with pen and paper. I understand that
you are not likely to allow the revised answer.
swp
May 8, 2017, 7:43:34 PM5/8/17
to
swp, who did not like doing that in his head
Erland Sommarskog
May 9, 2017, 6:19:51 AM5/9/17
to
Me too! Those pen-and-paper guys are cheaters, if you ask me!
gwo...@gmail.com
May 9, 2017, 9:24:09 AM5/9/17
to
On Sunday, May 7, 2017 at 11:37:45 PM UTC+1, Mark Brader wrote:
> Question 1 is about math:
>
> 1. What is the numerical value of pi squared?
9.8692
>
> 1. What is the numerical value of pi squared?
Mark Brader
May 11, 2017, 1:37:42 PM5/11/17
to
Earlier, I (Mark Brader) wrote (paragraphs are rearranged for
convenience of this followup):
> Here is another knockout contest, as originated in 2012 by the
> person posting as "Calvin". This one is on the theme of science
> (including technology), and within that broad subject, each question
> will refer to a different field.
...
contest is closed. Specifically, it's open only to Dan Blum,
Bruce Bowler, Marc Dashevsky, Joshua Kreitzer, Gareth Owen,
Stephen Perry, Peter Smyth, Erland Sommarskog, Dan Tilque, and
the entrants posting as "ArenEss" and "Calvin".
> Naturally, all questions are to be answered based on your own
> knowledge without using any sort of assistance, including aids
> to calculation.
>
> I will accept any reasonable notation for answers. Where I ask
> for a value that is dimensioned by a unit of measurement, you must
> explicitly state which unit you are using -- for example, 100 kg
> or 220 lb. -- and I will accept any reasonable choice of unit.
>
Unfortunately, it turned out that entrants did not find these rules
to be specified clearly enough. Some felt that if they wrote things
on paper, that might be considered an aid to calculation.
So let me make it very clear: *no*, writing on things paper does
*not* constitute assistance to knowing the answer. Just don't
try constructing an analog computer using origami (or pencils)
or that sort of thing, or looking at any paper that already has
relevant information written on it.
But in view of the above issue, it seems unreasonable to eliminate
anyone based on the original question 1. Some people might
have used a less precise method and then innocently disqualified
themselves from revising it by seeing other people's entries.
So I'm throwing it out and substituting a different question, and
since there are 11 entrants, there will probably be 9 more rounds
after this. You now have 4 days to enter, from the time of posting.
Question 1A is, of course, about math:
1A. What is the numerical value of pi cubed?
--
Mark Brader "Fighting off all of the species which you
Toronto have insulted would be a full-time mission."
m...@vex.net "Deja Q", ST:TNG, Richard Danus
convenience of this followup):
> Here is another knockout contest, as originated in 2012 by the
> person posting as "Calvin". This one is on the theme of science
> (including technology), and within that broad subject, each question
> will refer to a different field.
> For Round 1, I'll accept entries for 7 days from the moment
> of posting (that is, until about 6:40 pm EDT on Sunday, May 14),
> *OR* until there is a period of 48 hours without a new entry --
> *WHICHEVER COMES FIRST*! (Based on previous contests, in practice
> I think the 48-hour deadline is more likely to come first.)
>
> After the first round, this becomes a closed contest -- only those
> who have survived the earlier rounds may continue to enter.
>
> For the later rounds you will have a maximum of 4 days to enter,
> though I would prefer, and in practice expect, a faster pace.
We've now gone more than 48 hours without a new entry, so the
> of posting (that is, until about 6:40 pm EDT on Sunday, May 14),
> *OR* until there is a period of 48 hours without a new entry --
> *WHICHEVER COMES FIRST*! (Based on previous contests, in practice
> I think the 48-hour deadline is more likely to come first.)
>
> After the first round, this becomes a closed contest -- only those
> who have survived the earlier rounds may continue to enter.
>
> For the later rounds you will have a maximum of 4 days to enter,
> though I would prefer, and in practice expect, a faster pace.
contest is closed. Specifically, it's open only to Dan Blum,
Bruce Bowler, Marc Dashevsky, Joshua Kreitzer, Gareth Owen,
Stephen Perry, Peter Smyth, Erland Sommarskog, Dan Tilque, and
the entrants posting as "ArenEss" and "Calvin".
> Naturally, all questions are to be answered based on your own
> knowledge without using any sort of assistance, including aids
> to calculation.
>
> I will accept any reasonable notation for answers. Where I ask
> for a value that is dimensioned by a unit of measurement, you must
> explicitly state which unit you are using -- for example, 100 kg
> or 220 lb. -- and I will accept any reasonable choice of unit.
>
> On each round, the person whose answer is farthest from the correct
> value is eliminated. "Farthest" will be determined by the ratio...
Unfortunately, it turned out that entrants did not find these rules
to be specified clearly enough. Some felt that if they wrote things
on paper, that might be considered an aid to calculation.
So let me make it very clear: *no*, writing on things paper does
*not* constitute assistance to knowing the answer. Just don't
try constructing an analog computer using origami (or pencils)
or that sort of thing, or looking at any paper that already has
relevant information written on it.
But in view of the above issue, it seems unreasonable to eliminate
anyone based on the original question 1. Some people might
have used a less precise method and then innocently disqualified
themselves from revising it by seeing other people's entries.
So I'm throwing it out and substituting a different question, and
since there are 11 entrants, there will probably be 9 more rounds
after this. You now have 4 days to enter, from the time of posting.
Question 1A is, of course, about math:
1A. What is the numerical value of pi cubed?
--
Mark Brader "Fighting off all of the species which you
Toronto have insulted would be a full-time mission."
m...@vex.net "Deja Q", ST:TNG, Richard Danus
Dan Blum
May 11, 2017, 2:29:39 PM5/11/17
to
Mark Brader <m...@vex.net> wrote:
> Question 1A is, of course, about math:
> 1A. What is the numerical value of pi cubed?
31.1806567408
> Question 1A is, of course, about math:
> 1A. What is the numerical value of pi cubed?
ArenEss
May 11, 2017, 2:51:34 PM5/11/17
to
On Thu, 11 May 2017 12:37:37 -0500, m...@vex.net (Mark Brader) wrote:
>
>Question 1A is, of course, about math:
>
>1A. What is the numerical value of pi cubed?
31.0062
>
>Question 1A is, of course, about math:
>
>1A. What is the numerical value of pi cubed?
ArenEss
Erland Sommarskog
May 11, 2017, 3:03:39 PM5/11/17
to
Mark Brader (m...@vex.net) writes:
> Question 1A is, of course, about math:
>
> 1A. What is the numerical value of pi cubed?
You're evil man!
> Question 1A is, of course, about math:
>
> 1A. What is the numerical value of pi cubed?
Using pen (not pencil) and paper I got the result 31.070322
Gareth Owen
May 11, 2017, 3:08:23 PM5/11/17
to
m...@vex.net (Mark Brader) writes:
> Question 1A is, of course, about math:
>
> 1A. What is the numerical value of pi cubed?
31.025
> Question 1A is, of course, about math:
>
> 1A. What is the numerical value of pi cubed?
Mark Brader
May 11, 2017, 3:30:12 PM5/11/17
to
Mark Brader:
> You're evil man!
Naah -- if I was, I would have asked for the square root of pi!
(Yes, there is a way to directly calculate square -- and higher --
roots on paper. But it's... a bit complicated.)
--
Mark Brader What is it about
Toronto Haiku that people find so
m...@vex.net Infatuating? --Pete Mitchell
> > 1A. What is the numerical value of pi cubed?
Erland Sommarskog:
> You're evil man!
Naah -- if I was, I would have asked for the square root of pi!
(Yes, there is a way to directly calculate square -- and higher --
roots on paper. But it's... a bit complicated.)
--
Mark Brader What is it about
Toronto Haiku that people find so
m...@vex.net Infatuating? --Pete Mitchell
Marc Dashevsky
May 11, 2017, 4:37:52 PM5/11/17
to
In article <RqKdnVRkBPL8PInE...@giganews.com>, m...@vex.net says...
> Question 1A is, of course, about math:
>
> 1A. What is the numerical value of pi cubed?
31.0074
>
> 1A. What is the numerical value of pi cubed?
Peter Smyth
May 11, 2017, 5:36:26 PM5/11/17
to
Mark Brader wrote:
> Earlier, I (Mark Brader) wrote (paragraphs are rearranged for
> convenience of this followup):
>
> > Here is another knockout contest, as originated in 2012 by the
> > person posting as "Calvin". This one is on the theme of science
> > (including technology), and within that broad subject, each question
> > will refer to a different field.
> ...
> > For Round 1, I'll accept entries for 7 days from the moment
> > of posting (that is, until about 6:40 pm EDT on Sunday, May 14),
> > OR until there is a period of 48 hours without a new entry --
> Earlier, I (Mark Brader) wrote (paragraphs are rearranged for
> convenience of this followup):
>
> > Here is another knockout contest, as originated in 2012 by the
> > person posting as "Calvin". This one is on the theme of science
> > (including technology), and within that broad subject, each question
> > will refer to a different field.
> ...
> > For Round 1, I'll accept entries for 7 days from the moment
> > of posting (that is, until about 6:40 pm EDT on Sunday, May 14),
> > *WHICHEVER COMES FIRST*! (Based on previous contests, in practice
> > I think the 48-hour deadline is more likely to come first.)
> >
> > After the first round, this becomes a closed contest -- only those
> > who have survived the earlier rounds may continue to enter.
> >
> > For the later rounds you will have a maximum of 4 days to enter,
> > though I would prefer, and in practice expect, a faster pace.
>
> We've now gone more than 48 hours without a new entry, so the
> contest is closed. Specifically, it's open only to Dan Blum,
> Bruce Bowler, Marc Dashevsky, Joshua Kreitzer, Gareth Owen,
> Stephen Perry, Peter Smyth, Erland Sommarskog, Dan Tilque, and
> the entrants posting as "ArenEss" and "Calvin".
>
>
> > Naturally, all questions are to be answered based on your own
> > knowledge without using any sort of assistance, including aids
> > to calculation.
> >
> > I will accept any reasonable notation for answers. Where I ask
> > for a value that is dimensioned by a unit of measurement, you must
> > explicitly state which unit you are using -- for example, 100 kg
> > or 220 lb. -- and I will accept any reasonable choice of unit.
> >
> > On each round, the person whose answer is farthest from the correct
> > value is eliminated. "Farthest" will be determined by the ratio...
>
> Unfortunately, it turned out that entrants did not find these rules
> to be specified clearly enough. Some felt that if they wrote things
> on paper, that might be considered an aid to calculation.
>
> So let me make it very clear: no, writing on things paper does
> > I think the 48-hour deadline is more likely to come first.)
> >
> > After the first round, this becomes a closed contest -- only those
> > who have survived the earlier rounds may continue to enter.
> >
> > For the later rounds you will have a maximum of 4 days to enter,
> > though I would prefer, and in practice expect, a faster pace.
>
> We've now gone more than 48 hours without a new entry, so the
> contest is closed. Specifically, it's open only to Dan Blum,
> Bruce Bowler, Marc Dashevsky, Joshua Kreitzer, Gareth Owen,
> Stephen Perry, Peter Smyth, Erland Sommarskog, Dan Tilque, and
> the entrants posting as "ArenEss" and "Calvin".
>
>
> > Naturally, all questions are to be answered based on your own
> > knowledge without using any sort of assistance, including aids
> > to calculation.
> >
> > I will accept any reasonable notation for answers. Where I ask
> > for a value that is dimensioned by a unit of measurement, you must
> > explicitly state which unit you are using -- for example, 100 kg
> > or 220 lb. -- and I will accept any reasonable choice of unit.
> >
> > On each round, the person whose answer is farthest from the correct
> > value is eliminated. "Farthest" will be determined by the ratio...
>
> Unfortunately, it turned out that entrants did not find these rules
> to be specified clearly enough. Some felt that if they wrote things
> on paper, that might be considered an aid to calculation.
>
> not constitute assistance to knowing the answer. Just don't
> try constructing an analog computer using origami (or pencils)
> or that sort of thing, or looking at any paper that already has
> relevant information written on it.
>
>
> But in view of the above issue, it seems unreasonable to eliminate
> anyone based on the original question 1. Some people might
> have used a less precise method and then innocently disqualified
> themselves from revising it by seeing other people's entries.
>
> So I'm throwing it out and substituting a different question, and
> since there are 11 entrants, there will probably be 9 more rounds
> after this. You now have 4 days to enter, from the time of posting.
>
>
> Question 1A is, of course, about math:
>
> 1A. What is the numerical value of pi cubed?
31.01
> or that sort of thing, or looking at any paper that already has
> relevant information written on it.
>
>
> But in view of the above issue, it seems unreasonable to eliminate
> anyone based on the original question 1. Some people might
> have used a less precise method and then innocently disqualified
> themselves from revising it by seeing other people's entries.
>
> So I'm throwing it out and substituting a different question, and
> since there are 11 entrants, there will probably be 9 more rounds
> after this. You now have 4 days to enter, from the time of posting.
>
>
> Question 1A is, of course, about math:
>
> 1A. What is the numerical value of pi cubed?
Peter Smyth
Dan Tilque
May 11, 2017, 6:02:16 PM5/11/17
to
Mark Brader wrote:
>
>
> Question 1A is, of course, about math:
>
> 1A. What is the numerical value of pi cubed?
31.00622
>
>
> Question 1A is, of course, about math:
>
> 1A. What is the numerical value of pi cubed?
--
Dan Tilque
Calvin
May 11, 2017, 9:08:38 PM5/11/17
to
On Friday, May 12, 2017 at 3:37:42 AM UTC+10, Mark Brader wrote:
> Question 1A is, of course, about math:
>
> 1A. What is the numerical value of pi cubed?
31
> Question 1A is, of course, about math:
>
> 1A. What is the numerical value of pi cubed?
cheers,
calvin
Bruce
May 12, 2017, 11:19:18 AM5/12/17
to
On Thu, 11 May 2017 12:37:37 -0500, Mark Brader wrote:
>
> Question 1A is, of course, about math:
>
> 1A. What is the numerical value of pi cubed?
31
>
> Question 1A is, of course, about math:
>
> 1A. What is the numerical value of pi cubed?
Joshua Kreitzer
May 12, 2017, 10:56:48 PM5/12/17
to
m...@vex.net (Mark Brader) wrote in news:RqKdnVRkBPL8PInEnZ2dnUU7-
N_N...@giganews.com:
>
>
> But in view of the above issue, it seems unreasonable to eliminate
> anyone based on the original question 1. Some people might
> have used a less precise method and then innocently disqualified
> themselves from revising it by seeing other people's entries.
>
> So I'm throwing it out and substituting a different question, and
> since there are 11 entrants, there will probably be 9 more rounds
> after this. You now have 4 days to enter, from the time of posting.
>
>
> Question 1A is, of course, about math:
>
> 1A. What is the numerical value of pi cubed?
30.959144
--
Joshua Kreitzer
grom...@hotmail.com
N_N...@giganews.com:
>
>
> But in view of the above issue, it seems unreasonable to eliminate
> anyone based on the original question 1. Some people might
> have used a less precise method and then innocently disqualified
> themselves from revising it by seeing other people's entries.
>
> So I'm throwing it out and substituting a different question, and
> since there are 11 entrants, there will probably be 9 more rounds
> after this. You now have 4 days to enter, from the time of posting.
>
>
> Question 1A is, of course, about math:
>
> 1A. What is the numerical value of pi cubed?
--
Joshua Kreitzer
grom...@hotmail.com
swp
May 13, 2017, 3:48:23 PM5/13/17
to
swp, sorry for the delay
Mark Brader
May 13, 2017, 6:22:42 PM5/13/17
to
Mark Brader:
Bruce Bowler 31 /1.0002024735
Calvin 31 /1.0002024735
ArenEss 31.0062 /1.0000024731
Dan Tilque 31.00622 /1.0000018280
** CORRECT ** 31.0062766802998201754763150671013952022+
Stephen Perry 31.0062766803 *1.0000000000
Marc Dashevsky 31.0074 *1.0000362288
Peter Smyth 31.01 *1.0001200828
Gareth Owen 31.025 *1.0006038558
Erland Sommarskog 31.070322 *1.0020655598
Dan Blum 31.1806567408 *1.0056240245
Dan Blum, although within 1% of the correct answer, is eliminated.
This contest is now open only to Bruce Bowler, Marc Dashevsky, Joshua
everyone has posted an entry.
2. The spectrum of sodium is dominated by a pair of bright lines
called the D-lines, which have almost the same wavelength and are
responsible for the strong yellowish color of low-pressure sodium
lighting. What is the shorter one of these two wavelengths?
This is the last time I'll remind you: units of measure must be stated.
--
Mark Brader, Toronto | A driver I know is getting uncomfortably close to
m...@vex.net | earning the nickname "Crash". --Lee Ayrton
> 1A. What is the numerical value of pi cubed?
Joshua Kreitzer 30.959144 /1.0015224155
Bruce Bowler 31 /1.0002024735
Calvin 31 /1.0002024735
ArenEss 31.0062 /1.0000024731
Dan Tilque 31.00622 /1.0000018280
** CORRECT ** 31.0062766802998201754763150671013952022+
Stephen Perry 31.0062766803 *1.0000000000
Marc Dashevsky 31.0074 *1.0000362288
Peter Smyth 31.01 *1.0001200828
Gareth Owen 31.025 *1.0006038558
Erland Sommarskog 31.070322 *1.0020655598
Dan Blum 31.1806567408 *1.0056240245
Dan Blum, although within 1% of the correct answer, is eliminated.
This contest is now open only to Bruce Bowler, Marc Dashevsky, Joshua
Kreitzer, Gareth Owen, Stephen Perry, Peter Smyth, Erland Sommarskog,
Dan Tilque, and the entrants posting as "ArenEss" and "Calvin".
Round 2 will be open for 4 days from the moment of posting, or until
Dan Tilque, and the entrants posting as "ArenEss" and "Calvin".
everyone has posted an entry.
2. The spectrum of sodium is dominated by a pair of bright lines
called the D-lines, which have almost the same wavelength and are
responsible for the strong yellowish color of low-pressure sodium
lighting. What is the shorter one of these two wavelengths?
This is the last time I'll remind you: units of measure must be stated.
--
Mark Brader, Toronto | A driver I know is getting uncomfortably close to
m...@vex.net | earning the nickname "Crash". --Lee Ayrton
Dan Tilque
May 13, 2017, 6:45:08 PM5/13/17
to
Mark Brader wrote:
>
> 2. The spectrum of sodium is dominated by a pair of bright lines
> called the D-lines, which have almost the same wavelength and are
> responsible for the strong yellowish color of low-pressure sodium
> lighting. What is the shorter one of these two wavelengths?
535 nm
>
> 2. The spectrum of sodium is dominated by a pair of bright lines
> called the D-lines, which have almost the same wavelength and are
> responsible for the strong yellowish color of low-pressure sodium
> lighting. What is the shorter one of these two wavelengths?
--
Dan Tilque
Joshua Kreitzer
May 13, 2017, 7:33:43 PM5/13/17
to
m...@vex.net (Mark Brader) wrote in news:IY6dnUKWVtWxGorEnZ2dnUU7-
TvN...@giganews.com:
>
> Round 2 will be open for 4 days from the moment of posting, or until
> everyone has posted an entry.
>
> 2. The spectrum of sodium is dominated by a pair of bright lines
> called the D-lines, which have almost the same wavelength and are
> responsible for the strong yellowish color of low-pressure sodium
> lighting. What is the shorter one of these two wavelengths?
>
> This is the last time I'll remind you: units of measure must be stated.
Since I have no possible way of figuring this one out, I will just give a
guess:
0.0001 mm
--
Joshua Kreitzer
grom...@hotmail.com
TvN...@giganews.com:
>
> Round 2 will be open for 4 days from the moment of posting, or until
> everyone has posted an entry.
>
> 2. The spectrum of sodium is dominated by a pair of bright lines
> called the D-lines, which have almost the same wavelength and are
> responsible for the strong yellowish color of low-pressure sodium
> lighting. What is the shorter one of these two wavelengths?
>
> This is the last time I'll remind you: units of measure must be stated.
guess:
0.0001 mm
--
Joshua Kreitzer
grom...@hotmail.com
swp
May 13, 2017, 8:20:01 PM5/13/17
to
swp
ArenEss
May 13, 2017, 9:27:08 PM5/13/17
to
On Sat, 13 May 2017 17:22:36 -0500, m...@vex.net (Mark Brader) wrote:
>Mark Brader:
>This contest is now open only to Bruce Bowler, Marc Dashevsky, Joshua
>Kreitzer, Gareth Owen, Stephen Perry, Peter Smyth, Erland Sommarskog,
>Dan Tilque, and the entrants posting as "ArenEss" and "Calvin".
>
>Round 2 will be open for 4 days from the moment of posting, or until
>everyone has posted an entry.
>
>2. The spectrum of sodium is dominated by a pair of bright lines
> called the D-lines, which have almost the same wavelength and are
> responsible for the strong yellowish color of low-pressure sodium
> lighting. What is the shorter one of these two wavelengths?
>
589.0 nm
ArenEss
>Mark Brader:
>This contest is now open only to Bruce Bowler, Marc Dashevsky, Joshua
>Kreitzer, Gareth Owen, Stephen Perry, Peter Smyth, Erland Sommarskog,
>Dan Tilque, and the entrants posting as "ArenEss" and "Calvin".
>
>Round 2 will be open for 4 days from the moment of posting, or until
>everyone has posted an entry.
>
>2. The spectrum of sodium is dominated by a pair of bright lines
> called the D-lines, which have almost the same wavelength and are
> responsible for the strong yellowish color of low-pressure sodium
> lighting. What is the shorter one of these two wavelengths?
>
ArenEss
Gareth Owen
May 14, 2017, 1:20:53 AM5/14/17
to
m...@vex.net (Mark Brader) writes:
> 2. The spectrum of sodium is dominated by a pair of bright lines
> called the D-lines, which have almost the same wavelength and are
> responsible for the strong yellowish color of low-pressure sodium
> lighting. What is the shorter one of these two wavelengths?
1000 nm
> 2. The spectrum of sodium is dominated by a pair of bright lines
> called the D-lines, which have almost the same wavelength and are
> responsible for the strong yellowish color of low-pressure sodium
> lighting. What is the shorter one of these two wavelengths?
I know literally nothing about spectroscopy.
I expect I'm tens of orders of magnitudes out here.
Erland Sommarskog
May 14, 2017, 5:40:31 AM5/14/17
to
Mark Brader (m...@vex.net) writes:
> 2. The spectrum of sodium is dominated by a pair of bright lines
> called the D-lines, which have almost the same wavelength and are
> responsible for the strong yellowish color of low-pressure sodium
> lighting. What is the shorter one of these two wavelengths?
>
> This is the last time I'll remind you: units of measure must be stated.
5600 nm
> 2. The spectrum of sodium is dominated by a pair of bright lines
> called the D-lines, which have almost the same wavelength and are
> responsible for the strong yellowish color of low-pressure sodium
> lighting. What is the shorter one of these two wavelengths?
>
> This is the last time I'll remind you: units of measure must be stated.
Calvin
May 14, 2017, 7:48:52 PM5/14/17
to
On Sunday, May 14, 2017 at 8:22:42 AM UTC+10, Mark Brader wrote:
> 2. The spectrum of sodium is dominated by a pair of bright lines
> called the D-lines, which have almost the same wavelength and are
> responsible for the strong yellowish color of low-pressure sodium
> lighting. What is the shorter one of these two wavelengths?
33 nanometres
> 2. The spectrum of sodium is dominated by a pair of bright lines
> called the D-lines, which have almost the same wavelength and are
> responsible for the strong yellowish color of low-pressure sodium
> lighting. What is the shorter one of these two wavelengths?
cheers,
calvin
Marc Dashevsky
May 15, 2017, 5:04:32 AM5/15/17
to
Peter Smyth
May 15, 2017, 8:37:55 AM5/15/17
to
Mark Brader wrote:
> 2. The spectrum of sodium is dominated by a pair of bright lines
> called the D-lines, which have almost the same wavelength and are
> responsible for the strong yellowish color of low-pressure sodium
> lighting. What is the shorter one of these two wavelengths?
>
> This is the last time I'll remind you: units of measure must be
> stated.
457 nm
> 2. The spectrum of sodium is dominated by a pair of bright lines
> called the D-lines, which have almost the same wavelength and are
> responsible for the strong yellowish color of low-pressure sodium
> lighting. What is the shorter one of these two wavelengths?
>
> This is the last time I'll remind you: units of measure must be
> stated.
Peter Smyth
bbowler
May 15, 2017, 11:26:14 AM5/15/17
to
> 2. The spectrum of sodium is dominated by a pair of bright lines
> called the D-lines, which have almost the same wavelength and are
> responsible for the strong yellowish color of low-pressure sodium
> lighting. What is the shorter one of these two wavelengths?
570 nm
> called the D-lines, which have almost the same wavelength and are
> responsible for the strong yellowish color of low-pressure sodium
> lighting. What is the shorter one of these two wavelengths?
Mark Brader
May 15, 2017, 1:27:00 PM5/15/17
to
Mark Brader:
Joshua Kreitzer 0.0001 mm /5.890
Peter Smyth 457 nm /1.289
Dan Tilque 535 nm /1.101
Bruce Bowler 570 nm /1.0333
** CORRECT ** 588.995 nm
ArenEss 589.0 nm *1.0000
Stephen Perry 589 nm *1.0000
Marc Dashevsky 1,000 nm *1.698
Gareth Owen 1,000 nm *1.698
Erland Sommarskog 5,600 nm *9.508
When I learned about wavelengths of light, they were measured in
angstroms, but in these SI days, the usual unit is nanometers.
I wonder if Erland was thinking in angstroms.
Anyway, it's Calvin who's eliminated. This contest is now open
Round 3 will be open for 4 days from the moment of posting, or until
what is the largest value that can be represented in 32 bits?
--
Mark Brader, Toronto | "In cyberspace, the lunatics not only run the asylum,
m...@vex.net | but they helped build it..." --Richard Kadrey
> 2. The spectrum of sodium is dominated by a pair of bright lines
> called the D-lines, which have almost the same wavelength and are
> responsible for the strong yellowish color of low-pressure sodium
> lighting. What is the shorter one of these two wavelengths?
Calvin 33 nm /17.85
> called the D-lines, which have almost the same wavelength and are
> responsible for the strong yellowish color of low-pressure sodium
> lighting. What is the shorter one of these two wavelengths?
Joshua Kreitzer 0.0001 mm /5.890
Peter Smyth 457 nm /1.289
Dan Tilque 535 nm /1.101
Bruce Bowler 570 nm /1.0333
** CORRECT ** 588.995 nm
ArenEss 589.0 nm *1.0000
Stephen Perry 589 nm *1.0000
Marc Dashevsky 1,000 nm *1.698
Gareth Owen 1,000 nm *1.698
Erland Sommarskog 5,600 nm *9.508
When I learned about wavelengths of light, they were measured in
angstroms, but in these SI days, the usual unit is nanometers.
I wonder if Erland was thinking in angstroms.
Anyway, it's Calvin who's eliminated. This contest is now open
only to Bruce Bowler, Marc Dashevsky, Joshua Kreitzer, Gareth
Owen, Stephen Perry, Peter Smyth, Erland Sommarskog, Dan Tilque,
and the entrant posting as "ArenEss".
Owen, Stephen Perry, Peter Smyth, Erland Sommarskog, Dan Tilque,
Round 3 will be open for 4 days from the moment of posting, or until
everyone has posted an entry.
3. Using the IEEE standard representation of floating-point numbers,
what is the largest value that can be represented in 32 bits?
--
Mark Brader, Toronto | "In cyberspace, the lunatics not only run the asylum,
m...@vex.net | but they helped build it..." --Richard Kadrey
Gareth Owen
May 15, 2017, 1:43:10 PM5/15/17
to
m...@vex.net (Mark Brader) writes:
> 3. Using the IEEE standard representation of floating-point numbers,
> what is the largest value that can be represented in 32 bits?
2^127
> 3. Using the IEEE standard representation of floating-point numbers,
> what is the largest value that can be represented in 32 bits?
ArenEss
May 15, 2017, 2:22:40 PM5/15/17
to
>Round 3 will be open for 4 days from the moment of posting, or until
>everyone has posted an entry.
>
>3. Using the IEEE standard representation of floating-point numbers,
> what is the largest value that can be represented in 32 bits?
2^31 - 1
>everyone has posted an entry.
>
>3. Using the IEEE standard representation of floating-point numbers,
> what is the largest value that can be represented in 32 bits?
ArenEss
Marc Dashevsky
May 15, 2017, 3:44:04 PM5/15/17
to
Bruce
May 15, 2017, 4:02:24 PM5/15/17
to
On Mon, 15 May 2017 12:26:54 -0500, Mark Brader wrote:
> 3. Using the IEEE standard representation of floating-point numbers,
> what is the largest value that can be represented in 32 bits?
1.7*10^38
> 3. Using the IEEE standard representation of floating-point numbers,
> what is the largest value that can be represented in 32 bits?
Erland Sommarskog
May 15, 2017, 5:23:10 PM5/15/17
to
Mark Brader (m...@vex.net) writes:
> When I learned about wavelengths of light, they were measured in
> angstroms, but in these SI days, the usual unit is nanometers.
> I wonder if Erland was thinking in angstroms.
Nope. Possibly I was thinking in Ångström.
> When I learned about wavelengths of light, they were measured in
> angstroms, but in these SI days, the usual unit is nanometers.
> I wonder if Erland was thinking in angstroms.
I seemed to recall that the interval for visible light was 4000-8000 but
I was uncertain of the unit. It did seem a litte funny that it was
4000-8000 and just 4-8, but I thought that is just the way things are.
Anyway, I could think of another unit that was som SI division of metres,
and nanometres was the only thing that made sense. When I saw the other
answers, I thought that maybe my memory was wrong. But it's possible that
my recollection was distorted by numbers in Ångström.
> 3. Using the IEEE standard representation of floating-point numbers,
> what is the largest value that can be represented in 32 bits?
Joshua Kreitzer
May 15, 2017, 10:13:18 PM5/15/17
to
m...@vex.net (Mark Brader) wrote in news:WKydnVI72dpDeYTEnZ2dnUU7-
TXN...@giganews.com:
> Anyway, it's Calvin who's eliminated. This contest is now open
> only to Bruce Bowler, Marc Dashevsky, Joshua Kreitzer, Gareth
> Owen, Stephen Perry, Peter Smyth, Erland Sommarskog, Dan Tilque,
> and the entrant posting as "ArenEss".
>
>
> Round 3 will be open for 4 days from the moment of posting, or until
> everyone has posted an entry.
>
> 3. Using the IEEE standard representation of floating-point numbers,
> what is the largest value that can be represented in 32 bits?
I don't know what the IEEE standard representation of floating-point
numbers is, but my answer is:
4.29496725 * 10^9
--
Joshua Kreitzer
grom...@hotmail.com
TXN...@giganews.com:
> Anyway, it's Calvin who's eliminated. This contest is now open
> only to Bruce Bowler, Marc Dashevsky, Joshua Kreitzer, Gareth
> Owen, Stephen Perry, Peter Smyth, Erland Sommarskog, Dan Tilque,
> and the entrant posting as "ArenEss".
>
>
> Round 3 will be open for 4 days from the moment of posting, or until
> everyone has posted an entry.
>
> 3. Using the IEEE standard representation of floating-point numbers,
> what is the largest value that can be represented in 32 bits?
numbers is, but my answer is:
4.29496725 * 10^9
--
Joshua Kreitzer
grom...@hotmail.com
Dan Tilque
May 15, 2017, 11:26:06 PM5/15/17
to
Mark Brader wrote:
>
> 3. Using the IEEE standard representation of floating-point numbers,
> what is the largest value that can be represented in 32 bits?
10^128
>
> 3. Using the IEEE standard representation of floating-point numbers,
> what is the largest value that can be represented in 32 bits?
--
Dan Tilque
Peter Smyth
May 16, 2017, 2:09:13 PM5/16/17
to
Mark Brader wrote:
> Round 3 will be open for 4 days from the moment of posting, or until
> everyone has posted an entry.
>
> 3. Using the IEEE standard representation of floating-point numbers,
> what is the largest value that can be represented in 32 bits?
16,777,215
> Round 3 will be open for 4 days from the moment of posting, or until
> everyone has posted an entry.
>
> 3. Using the IEEE standard representation of floating-point numbers,
> what is the largest value that can be represented in 32 bits?
Peter Smyth
swp
May 17, 2017, 6:55:30 PM5/17/17
to
On Monday, May 15, 2017 at 1:27:00 PM UTC-4, Mark Brader wrote:
> Mark Brader:
> Mark Brader:
> Round 3 will be open for 4 days from the moment of posting, or until
> everyone has posted an entry.
>
> 3. Using the IEEE standard representation of floating-point numbers,
> what is the largest value that can be represented in 32 bits?
> --
> Mark Brader, Toronto | "In cyberspace, the lunatics not only run the asylum,
> m...@vex.net | but they helped build it..." --Richard Kadrey
>
> My text in this article is in the public domain.
4.294967295 * 10^9
> everyone has posted an entry.
>
> 3. Using the IEEE standard representation of floating-point numbers,
> what is the largest value that can be represented in 32 bits?
> --
> Mark Brader, Toronto | "In cyberspace, the lunatics not only run the asylum,
> m...@vex.net | but they helped build it..." --Richard Kadrey
>
> My text in this article is in the public domain.
swp
Mark Brader
May 17, 2017, 7:50:27 PM5/17/17
to
Mark Brader:
the results as a series of separate tables that will fit on your standard
80-column line. Here are the answers as posted:
Peter Smyth 16,777,215
ArenEss 2^31 - 1
Joshua Kreitzer 4.29496725 * 10^9
Stephen Perry 4.294967295 * 10^9
Erland Sommarskog 1E24
Bruce Bowler 1.7*10^38
Gareth Owen 2^127
** CORRECT ** 2^128 - 2^104
Marc Dashevsky 8,388,608 x 2^127
Dan Tilque 10^128
It looks as though several entrants forgot that the question was about
floating-point representations, although two of them then proceeded
to format their answers in ways that floating-point numbers might be
written. However, they were saved from elimination by one entrant
who apparently thought that the IEEE representation used base 10.
Here are the answers as plain numbers:
Peter Smyth 16,777,215
ArenEss 2,147,483,647
Joshua Kreitzer 4,294,967,250
Stephen Perry 4,294,967,295
Erland Sommarskog 1,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000
Bruce Bowler 170,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000
Gareth Owen 170,141,183,460,469,231,731,687,303,715,884,105,728
** CORRECT ** 340,282,346,638,528,859,811,704,183,484,516,925,440
Marc Dashevsky 1,427,247,692,705,959,881,058,285,969,449,495,136,382,746,624
Dan Tilque 100,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,-
000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,-
000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000
And here are the ratios between the answers given and the correct answer.
I'm showing them to 12 significant digits.
Peter Smyth /20,282,409,603,700,000,000,000,000,000,000
ArenEss /158,456,315,658,000,000,000,000,000,000
Joshua Kreitzer /79,228,158,640,400,000,000,000,000,000
Stephen Perry /79,228,157,810,300,000,000,000,000,000
Erland Sommarskog /340,282,346,639,000
Bruce Bowler /2.00166086258
Gareth Owen /1.99999988079
Marc Dashevsky *4,194,304.25000
Dan Tilque *293,873,605,222,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,-
000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,-
000,000,000,000
Of course, the IEEE floating-point representation is only accurate to about
7 significant digits -- the *second*-largest representable value in 32 bits
is 2^128 - 2^105 = 340,282,326,356,119,256,160,033,759,537,265,639,424.
(By the way, if I had asked for the 64-bit version of IEEE 754, then the
answer would have been 2^1024 - 2^971, which is 179,769,313,486,231,570,-
814,527,423,731,704,356,798,070,567,525,844,996,598,917,476,803,157,260,-
780,028,538,760,589,558,632,766,878,171,540,458,953,514,382,464,234,321,-
326,889,464,182,768,467,546,703,537,516,986,049,910,576,551,282,076,245,-
490,090,389,328,944,075,868,508,455,133,942,304,583,236,903,222,948,165,-
808,559,332,123,348,274,797,826,204,144,723,168,738,177,180,919,299,881,-
250,404,026,184,124,858,368. This representation is accurate to about
16 significant digits.)
Anyway, Dan Tilque is eliminated. This contest is now open only to
"ArenEss".
Round 4 will be open for 4 days from the moment of posting, or until
have surface winds (sustained for at least 1 minute) of at least
what speed, according to the National Weather Service in the US?
--
Mark Brader, Toronto | "GUALITY IS FIRST"
m...@vex.net | --slogan of "Dongda electron CO.,LTD"
> 3. Using the IEEE standard representation of floating-point numbers,
> what is the largest value that can be represented in 32 bits?
My usual presentation format won't work for this round, so I'll present
> what is the largest value that can be represented in 32 bits?
the results as a series of separate tables that will fit on your standard
80-column line. Here are the answers as posted:
Peter Smyth 16,777,215
ArenEss 2^31 - 1
Joshua Kreitzer 4.29496725 * 10^9
Stephen Perry 4.294967295 * 10^9
Erland Sommarskog 1E24
Bruce Bowler 1.7*10^38
Gareth Owen 2^127
** CORRECT ** 2^128 - 2^104
Marc Dashevsky 8,388,608 x 2^127
Dan Tilque 10^128
It looks as though several entrants forgot that the question was about
floating-point representations, although two of them then proceeded
to format their answers in ways that floating-point numbers might be
written. However, they were saved from elimination by one entrant
who apparently thought that the IEEE representation used base 10.
Here are the answers as plain numbers:
Peter Smyth 16,777,215
ArenEss 2,147,483,647
Joshua Kreitzer 4,294,967,250
Stephen Perry 4,294,967,295
Erland Sommarskog 1,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000
Bruce Bowler 170,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000
Gareth Owen 170,141,183,460,469,231,731,687,303,715,884,105,728
** CORRECT ** 340,282,346,638,528,859,811,704,183,484,516,925,440
Marc Dashevsky 1,427,247,692,705,959,881,058,285,969,449,495,136,382,746,624
Dan Tilque 100,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,-
000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,-
000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000
And here are the ratios between the answers given and the correct answer.
I'm showing them to 12 significant digits.
Peter Smyth /20,282,409,603,700,000,000,000,000,000,000
ArenEss /158,456,315,658,000,000,000,000,000,000
Joshua Kreitzer /79,228,158,640,400,000,000,000,000,000
Stephen Perry /79,228,157,810,300,000,000,000,000,000
Erland Sommarskog /340,282,346,639,000
Bruce Bowler /2.00166086258
Gareth Owen /1.99999988079
Marc Dashevsky *4,194,304.25000
Dan Tilque *293,873,605,222,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,-
000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,-
000,000,000,000
Of course, the IEEE floating-point representation is only accurate to about
7 significant digits -- the *second*-largest representable value in 32 bits
is 2^128 - 2^105 = 340,282,326,356,119,256,160,033,759,537,265,639,424.
(By the way, if I had asked for the 64-bit version of IEEE 754, then the
answer would have been 2^1024 - 2^971, which is 179,769,313,486,231,570,-
814,527,423,731,704,356,798,070,567,525,844,996,598,917,476,803,157,260,-
780,028,538,760,589,558,632,766,878,171,540,458,953,514,382,464,234,321,-
326,889,464,182,768,467,546,703,537,516,986,049,910,576,551,282,076,245,-
490,090,389,328,944,075,868,508,455,133,942,304,583,236,903,222,948,165,-
808,559,332,123,348,274,797,826,204,144,723,168,738,177,180,919,299,881,-
250,404,026,184,124,858,368. This representation is accurate to about
16 significant digits.)
Anyway, Dan Tilque is eliminated. This contest is now open only to
Bruce Bowler, Marc Dashevsky, Joshua Kreitzer, Gareth Owen, Stephen
Perry, Peter Smyth, Erland Sommarskog, and the entrant posting as
"ArenEss".
Round 4 will be open for 4 days from the moment of posting, or until
everyone has posted an entry.
4. In order for a storm to be classified as a hurricane it must
have surface winds (sustained for at least 1 minute) of at least
what speed, according to the National Weather Service in the US?
--
Mark Brader, Toronto | "GUALITY IS FIRST"
m...@vex.net | --slogan of "Dongda electron CO.,LTD"
Joshua Kreitzer
May 18, 2017, 12:24:34 AM5/18/17
to
m...@vex.net (Mark Brader) wrote in
news:bp-dnYheTbkjfIHE...@giganews.com:
> Mark Brader:
>> 3. Using the IEEE standard representation of floating-point numbers,
>> what is the largest value that can be represented in 32 bits?
>
> ** CORRECT ** 2^128 - 2^104
Even after seeing the answer, I still don't even understand the question.
Can someone please refer me to a Wikipedia article or something like that
which will clarify this for me?
> Anyway, Dan Tilque is eliminated. This contest is now open only to
> Bruce Bowler, Marc Dashevsky, Joshua Kreitzer, Gareth Owen, Stephen
> Perry, Peter Smyth, Erland Sommarskog, and the entrant posting as
> "ArenEss".
>
> Round 4 will be open for 4 days from the moment of posting, or until
> everyone has posted an entry.
>
> 4. In order for a storm to be classified as a hurricane it must
> have surface winds (sustained for at least 1 minute) of at least
> what speed, according to the National Weather Service in the US?
--
Joshua Kreitzer
grom...@hotmail.com
Dan Tilque
May 18, 2017, 12:43:20 AM5/18/17
to
Mark Brader wrote:
> ** CORRECT ** 2^128 - 2^104
> Dan Tilque 10^128
> ** CORRECT ** 2^128 - 2^104
Dammit. Massive brainfart there on my part. I meant 2^128, of course. I
knew it wouldn't have been correct, but close enough.
--
Dan Tilque
Mark Brader
May 18, 2017, 12:47:49 AM5/18/17
to
Mark Brader:
> Dammit. Massive brainfart there on my part. I meant 2^128, of course...
You mean "I protest: didn't you realize that the '10' was in base 2?" :-)
--
Mark Brader, Toronto | "This is an excellent opportunity for
m...@vex.net | out-of-context quoting..." --Mike Hardy
> > ** CORRECT ** 2^128 - 2^104
> > Dan Tilque 10^128
Dan Tilque:
> > Dan Tilque 10^128
> Dammit. Massive brainfart there on my part. I meant 2^128, of course...
You mean "I protest: didn't you realize that the '10' was in base 2?" :-)
--
Mark Brader, Toronto | "This is an excellent opportunity for
m...@vex.net | out-of-context quoting..." --Mike Hardy
Mark Brader
May 18, 2017, 12:50:36 AM5/18/17
to
Mark Brader:
>>> 3. Using the IEEE standard representation of floating-point numbers,
>>> what is the largest value that can be represented in 32 bits?
Joshua Kreitzer:
>>> 3. Using the IEEE standard representation of floating-point numbers,
>>> what is the largest value that can be represented in 32 bits?
> Even after seeing the answer, I still don't even understand the question.
Ah, that would make it harder.
> Can someone please refer me to a Wikipedia article or something like that
> which will clarify this for me?
http://steve.hollasch.net/cgindex/coding/ieeefloat.html
I was meaning to cite it in the answer posting, but it slipped my mind.
--
Mark Brader "Remember, this is Mark we're dealing with.
Toronto Rationality and fact won't work very well."
m...@vex.net -- Jeff Scott Franzman
Erland Sommarskog
May 18, 2017, 3:53:22 AM5/18/17
to
Mark Brader (m...@vex.net) writes:
> 4. In order for a storm to be classified as a hurricane it must
> have surface winds (sustained for at least 1 minute) of at least
> what speed, according to the National Weather Service in the US?
>
35 m/s
> 4. In order for a storm to be classified as a hurricane it must
> have surface winds (sustained for at least 1 minute) of at least
> what speed, according to the National Weather Service in the US?
>
Peter Smyth
May 18, 2017, 3:55:00 AM5/18/17
to
Peter Smyth
Marc Dashevsky
May 18, 2017, 4:04:25 AM5/18/17
to
In article <bp-dnYheTbkjfIHE...@giganews.com>, m...@vex.net says...
> 4. In order for a storm to be classified as a hurricane it must
> have surface winds (sustained for at least 1 minute) of at least
> what speed, according to the National Weather Service in the US?
80 mph
> have surface winds (sustained for at least 1 minute) of at least
> what speed, according to the National Weather Service in the US?
gwo...@gmail.com
May 18, 2017, 7:34:18 AM5/18/17
to
On Thursday, May 18, 2017 at 12:50:27 AM UTC+1, Mark Brader wrote:
> Gareth Owen /1.99999988079
Grrr. Forgot to fill the significand up with 1's.
Never mind, plenty close enough.
> 4. In order for a storm to be classified as a hurricane it must
> have surface winds (sustained for at least 1 minute) of at least
> what speed, according to the National Weather Service in the US?
83mph
> Gareth Owen /1.99999988079
Grrr. Forgot to fill the significand up with 1's.
Never mind, plenty close enough.
> 4. In order for a storm to be classified as a hurricane it must
> have surface winds (sustained for at least 1 minute) of at least
> what speed, according to the National Weather Service in the US?
Bruce
May 18, 2017, 7:47:48 AM5/18/17
to
On Wed, 17 May 2017 18:50:22 -0500, Mark Brader wrote:
> Round 4 will be open for 4 days from the moment of posting, or until
> everyone has posted an entry.
>
> 4. In order for a storm to be classified as a hurricane it must
> have surface winds (sustained for at least 1 minute) of at least what
> speed, according to the National Weather Service in the US?
73 MPH
> Round 4 will be open for 4 days from the moment of posting, or until
> everyone has posted an entry.
>
> 4. In order for a storm to be classified as a hurricane it must
> have surface winds (sustained for at least 1 minute) of at least what
> speed, according to the National Weather Service in the US?
ArenEss
May 18, 2017, 7:59:03 AM5/18/17
to
>Round 4 will be open for 4 days from the moment of posting, or until
>everyone has posted an entry.
>
>4. In order for a storm to be classified as a hurricane it must
> have surface winds (sustained for at least 1 minute) of at least
> what speed, according to the National Weather Service in the US?
Category 1 storms (lowest classification of a "hurricane" is
>everyone has posted an entry.
>
>4. In order for a storm to be classified as a hurricane it must
> have surface winds (sustained for at least 1 minute) of at least
> what speed, according to the National Weather Service in the US?
between 74-95mph. So, 74mph is my answer.
ArenEss
swp
May 18, 2017, 7:34:03 PM5/18/17
to
,trying this on a strange device. no idea if it will work.
75 mph
swp, who completely spaced on that last one and is grateful to still be in it
75 mph
swp, who completely spaced on that last one and is grateful to still be in it
Mark Brader
May 18, 2017, 7:49:34 PM5/18/17
to
Mark Brader:
** CORRECT ** 64 knots
ArenEss 74 mph *1.0047
Joshua Kreitzer 74 mph *1.0047
Peter Smyth 75 mph *1.0183
Stephen Perry 75 mph *1.0183
Erland Sommarskog 35 m/s *1.0630
Marc Dashevsky 80 mph *1.0862
Gareth Owen 83 mph *1.127
See e.g.:
http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/aboutgloss.shtml#h
http://w1.weather.gov/glossary/index.php?word=hurricane
Gareth Owen is eliminated. This contest is now open only to Bruce
Bowler, Marc Dashevsky, Joshua Kreitzer, Stephen Perry, Peter Smyth,
Erland Sommarskog, and the entrant posting as "ArenEss". You have
up to 4 days to enter Round 5, from the time this is posted.
5. "Standard temperature and pressure" is now defined by the
IUPAC to mean a temperature of 0°C and a pressure of 100 kPa,
also known as 1 bar. At standard temperature and pressure,
1 mole of an ideal gas has what volume?
--
Mark Brader | "...she was quite surprised to find that she remained
Toronto | the same size: to be sure, this generally happens
m...@vex.net | when one eats cake, but..." --Lewis Carroll
> 4. In order for a storm to be classified as a hurricane it must
> have surface winds (sustained for at least 1 minute) of at least
> what speed, according to the National Weather Service in the US?
Bruce Bowler 73 mph /1.0089
> have surface winds (sustained for at least 1 minute) of at least
> what speed, according to the National Weather Service in the US?
** CORRECT ** 64 knots
ArenEss 74 mph *1.0047
Joshua Kreitzer 74 mph *1.0047
Peter Smyth 75 mph *1.0183
Stephen Perry 75 mph *1.0183
Erland Sommarskog 35 m/s *1.0630
Marc Dashevsky 80 mph *1.0862
Gareth Owen 83 mph *1.127
See e.g.:
http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/aboutgloss.shtml#h
http://w1.weather.gov/glossary/index.php?word=hurricane
Gareth Owen is eliminated. This contest is now open only to Bruce
Bowler, Marc Dashevsky, Joshua Kreitzer, Stephen Perry, Peter Smyth,
Erland Sommarskog, and the entrant posting as "ArenEss". You have
up to 4 days to enter Round 5, from the time this is posted.
5. "Standard temperature and pressure" is now defined by the
IUPAC to mean a temperature of 0°C and a pressure of 100 kPa,
also known as 1 bar. At standard temperature and pressure,
1 mole of an ideal gas has what volume?
--
Mark Brader | "...she was quite surprised to find that she remained
Toronto | the same size: to be sure, this generally happens
m...@vex.net | when one eats cake, but..." --Lewis Carroll
swp
May 18, 2017, 9:02:29 PM5/18/17
to
On Thursday, May 18, 2017 at 7:49:34 PM UTC-4, Mark Brader wrote:
> Mark Brader:
> Mark Brader:
> 5. "Standard temperature and pressure" is now defined by the
> IUPAC to mean a temperature of 0°C and a pressure of 100 kPa,
> also known as 1 bar. At standard temperature and pressure,
> 1 mole of an ideal gas has what volume?
> --
> Mark Brader | "...she was quite surprised to find that she remained
> Toronto | the same size: to be sure, this generally happens
> m...@vex.net | when one eats cake, but..." --Lewis Carroll
>
> My text in this article is in the public domain.
0.022711 cubic meter
> IUPAC to mean a temperature of 0°C and a pressure of 100 kPa,
> also known as 1 bar. At standard temperature and pressure,
> 1 mole of an ideal gas has what volume?
> --
> Mark Brader | "...she was quite surprised to find that she remained
> Toronto | the same size: to be sure, this generally happens
> m...@vex.net | when one eats cake, but..." --Lewis Carroll
>
> My text in this article is in the public domain.
swp
ArenEss
May 18, 2017, 9:34:06 PM5/18/17
to
>5. "Standard temperature and pressure" is now defined by the
> IUPAC to mean a temperature of 0°C and a pressure of 100 kPa,
> also known as 1 bar. At standard temperature and pressure,
> 1 mole of an ideal gas has what volume?
Well, my time may come to an end here, as I really don't have
> IUPAC to mean a temperature of 0°C and a pressure of 100 kPa,
> also known as 1 bar. At standard temperature and pressure,
> 1 mole of an ideal gas has what volume?
a clue on this one. I'll guess 20 liters.
ArenEss
Joshua Kreitzer
May 18, 2017, 11:47:08 PM5/18/17
to
m...@vex.net (Mark Brader) wrote in news:0qWdnUpimcGVroPEnZ2dnUU7-
IfN...@giganews.com:
>
> Gareth Owen is eliminated. This contest is now open only to Bruce
> Bowler, Marc Dashevsky, Joshua Kreitzer, Stephen Perry, Peter Smyth,
> Erland Sommarskog, and the entrant posting as "ArenEss". You have
> up to 4 days to enter Round 5, from the time this is posted.
>
> 5. "Standard temperature and pressure" is now defined by the
> IUPAC to mean a temperature of 0°C and a pressure of 100 kPa,
> also known as 1 bar. At standard temperature and pressure,
> 1 mole of an ideal gas has what volume?
I'm just guessing:
100 milliliters
--
Joshua Kreitzer
grom...@hotmail.com
IfN...@giganews.com:
>
> Gareth Owen is eliminated. This contest is now open only to Bruce
> Bowler, Marc Dashevsky, Joshua Kreitzer, Stephen Perry, Peter Smyth,
> Erland Sommarskog, and the entrant posting as "ArenEss". You have
> up to 4 days to enter Round 5, from the time this is posted.
>
> 5. "Standard temperature and pressure" is now defined by the
> IUPAC to mean a temperature of 0°C and a pressure of 100 kPa,
> also known as 1 bar. At standard temperature and pressure,
> 1 mole of an ideal gas has what volume?
100 milliliters
--
Joshua Kreitzer
grom...@hotmail.com
Marc Dashevsky
May 19, 2017, 2:41:15 AM5/19/17
to
In article <0qWdnUpimcGVroPE...@giganews.com>, m...@vex.net says...
> 5. "Standard temperature and pressure" is now defined by the
> IUPAC to mean a temperature of 0°C and a pressure of 100 kPa,
> also known as 1 bar. At standard temperature and pressure,
> 1 mole of an ideal gas has what volume?
1 liter {no idea]
> IUPAC to mean a temperature of 0°C and a pressure of 100 kPa,
> also known as 1 bar. At standard temperature and pressure,
> 1 mole of an ideal gas has what volume?
Erland Sommarskog
May 19, 2017, 3:04:56 AM5/19/17
to
Mark Brader (m...@vex.net) writes:
> 5. "Standard temperature and pressure" is now defined by the
> IUPAC to mean a temperature of 0°C and a pressure of 100 kPa,
> also known as 1 bar. At standard temperature and pressure,
> 1 mole of an ideal gas has what volume?
6.2E23
> 5. "Standard temperature and pressure" is now defined by the
> IUPAC to mean a temperature of 0°C and a pressure of 100 kPa,
> also known as 1 bar. At standard temperature and pressure,
> 1 mole of an ideal gas has what volume?
Erland Sommarskog
May 19, 2017, 3:06:41 AM5/19/17
to
ArenEss (aren...@yahoo.com) writes:
> Well, my time may come to an end here, as I really don't have
> a clue on this one. I'll guess 20 liters.
>
No, you survived, since I did not give a unit. I thought of Avagardo's
> Well, my time may come to an end here, as I really don't have
> a clue on this one. I'll guess 20 liters.
>
number which is just a number, and then it went downhill from there.
Peter Smyth
May 19, 2017, 3:47:37 AM5/19/17
to
Mark Brader wrote:
> 5. "Standard temperature and pressure" is now defined by the
> IUPAC to mean a temperature of 0°C and a pressure of 100 kPa,
> also known as 1 bar. At standard temperature and pressure,
> 1 mole of an ideal gas has what volume?
1 litre
> 5. "Standard temperature and pressure" is now defined by the
> IUPAC to mean a temperature of 0°C and a pressure of 100 kPa,
> also known as 1 bar. At standard temperature and pressure,
> 1 mole of an ideal gas has what volume?
Peter Smyth
Bruce
May 19, 2017, 10:42:48 AM5/19/17
to
On Thu, 18 May 2017 18:49:28 -0500, Mark Brader wrote:
> 5. "Standard temperature and pressure" is now defined by the
> IUPAC to mean a temperature of 0°C and a pressure of 100 kPa,
> also known as 1 bar. At standard temperature and pressure,
> 1 mole of an ideal gas has what volume?
SWAG -- 1 liter
> 5. "Standard temperature and pressure" is now defined by the
> IUPAC to mean a temperature of 0°C and a pressure of 100 kPa,
> also known as 1 bar. At standard temperature and pressure,
> 1 mole of an ideal gas has what volume?
Mark Brader
May 19, 2017, 3:18:40 PM5/19/17
to
Mark Brader:
Peter Smyth 1 L /22.71
Marc Dashevsky 1 L /22.71
Bruce Bowler 1 L /22.71
ArenEss 20 L /1.135
** CORRECT ** 0.022710947 mł
Stephen Perry 0.022711 mł *1.0000
Erland Sommarskog 620,000,000,000,000,000,000,000
The correct answer shown here is as given at
http://physics.nist.gov/cgi-bin/cuu/Value?mvol
and has an uncertainty of ą13 on the last two digits shown.
The answer that I learned to this question in high school was 22.4 L,
and I was wondering whether anyone would give that. The explanation
is that before 1982 "standard temperature and pressure" was defined
as 0°C and 1 atmosphere, which is a pressure 1.325% greater than
1 bar or 100 kPa.
Anyway, Erland Sommarskog has eliminated himself by answering with a
dimensionless number. This contest is now open only to Bruce Bowler,
Marc Dashevsky, Joshua Kreitzer, Stephen Perry, Peter Smyth, and
6. According to the USNO's Astronomical Almanac, the mass of the
Sun is how many times the mass of the Earth?
--
Mark Brader "... Dennis Ritchie and Brian Kernighan
Toronto are Dennis Ritchie and Brian Kernighan,
m...@vex.net and I am not." -- Steve Summit
> 5. "Standard temperature and pressure" is now defined by the
> IUPAC to mean a temperature of 0°C and a pressure of 100 kPa,
> also known as 1 bar. At standard temperature and pressure,
> 1 mole of an ideal gas has what volume?
Joshua Kreitzer 100 mL /227.1
> IUPAC to mean a temperature of 0°C and a pressure of 100 kPa,
> also known as 1 bar. At standard temperature and pressure,
> 1 mole of an ideal gas has what volume?
Peter Smyth 1 L /22.71
Marc Dashevsky 1 L /22.71
Bruce Bowler 1 L /22.71
ArenEss 20 L /1.135
** CORRECT ** 0.022710947 mł
Stephen Perry 0.022711 mł *1.0000
Erland Sommarskog 620,000,000,000,000,000,000,000
The correct answer shown here is as given at
http://physics.nist.gov/cgi-bin/cuu/Value?mvol
and has an uncertainty of ą13 on the last two digits shown.
The answer that I learned to this question in high school was 22.4 L,
and I was wondering whether anyone would give that. The explanation
is that before 1982 "standard temperature and pressure" was defined
as 0°C and 1 atmosphere, which is a pressure 1.325% greater than
1 bar or 100 kPa.
Anyway, Erland Sommarskog has eliminated himself by answering with a
dimensionless number. This contest is now open only to Bruce Bowler,
Marc Dashevsky, Joshua Kreitzer, Stephen Perry, Peter Smyth, and
the entrant posting as "ArenEss". You have up to 4 days to enter
Round 6, from the time this is posted.
6. According to the USNO's Astronomical Almanac, the mass of the
Sun is how many times the mass of the Earth?
--
Mark Brader "... Dennis Ritchie and Brian Kernighan
Toronto are Dennis Ritchie and Brian Kernighan,
m...@vex.net and I am not." -- Steve Summit
Bruce
May 19, 2017, 3:53:05 PM5/19/17
to
On Fri, 19 May 2017 14:18:35 -0500, Mark Brader wrote:
> 6. According to the USNO's Astronomical Almanac, the mass of the
> Sun is how many times the mass of the Earth?
Another SWAG -- 10^6
> 6. According to the USNO's Astronomical Almanac, the mass of the
> Sun is how many times the mass of the Earth?
Peter Smyth
May 19, 2017, 4:54:16 PM5/19/17
to
Mark Brader wrote:
> 6. According to the USNO's Astronomical Almanac, the mass of the
> Sun is how many times the mass of the Earth?
67152
> 6. According to the USNO's Astronomical Almanac, the mass of the
> Sun is how many times the mass of the Earth?
Peter Smyth
ArenEss
May 19, 2017, 6:30:01 PM5/19/17
to
>6. According to the USNO's Astronomical Almanac, the mass of the
> Sun is how many times the mass of the Earth?
350,000
> Sun is how many times the mass of the Earth?
ArenEss
swp
May 19, 2017, 6:56:33 PM5/19/17
to
On Friday, May 19, 2017 at 3:18:40 PM UTC-4, Mark Brader wrote:
> Mark Brader:
> Mark Brader:
> 6. According to the USNO's Astronomical Almanac, the mass of the
> Sun is how many times the mass of the Earth?
>
> --
> Mark Brader "... Dennis Ritchie and Brian Kernighan
> Toronto are Dennis Ritchie and Brian Kernighan,
> m...@vex.net and I am not." -- Steve Summit
>
> My text in this article is in the public domain.
333,000
> Sun is how many times the mass of the Earth?
>
> --
> Mark Brader "... Dennis Ritchie and Brian Kernighan
> Toronto are Dennis Ritchie and Brian Kernighan,
> m...@vex.net and I am not." -- Steve Summit
>
> My text in this article is in the public domain.
swp
Joshua Kreitzer
May 19, 2017, 11:20:27 PM5/19/17
to
m...@vex.net (Mark Brader) wrote in news:1M2dnaCrn8uW2ILEnZ2dnUU7-
cvN...@giganews.com:
> Anyway, Erland Sommarskog has eliminated himself by answering with a
> dimensionless number. This contest is now open only to Bruce Bowler,
> Marc Dashevsky, Joshua Kreitzer, Stephen Perry, Peter Smyth, and
> the entrant posting as "ArenEss". You have up to 4 days to enter
> Round 6, from the time this is posted.
>
>
> 6. According to the USNO's Astronomical Almanac, the mass of the
> Sun is how many times the mass of the Earth?
1 million times
--
Joshua Kreitzer
grom...@hotmail.com
cvN...@giganews.com:
> Anyway, Erland Sommarskog has eliminated himself by answering with a
> dimensionless number. This contest is now open only to Bruce Bowler,
> Marc Dashevsky, Joshua Kreitzer, Stephen Perry, Peter Smyth, and
> the entrant posting as "ArenEss". You have up to 4 days to enter
> Round 6, from the time this is posted.
>
>
> 6. According to the USNO's Astronomical Almanac, the mass of the
> Sun is how many times the mass of the Earth?
--
Joshua Kreitzer
grom...@hotmail.com
Marc Dashevsky
May 20, 2017, 5:16:00 PM5/20/17
to
In article <1M2dnaCrn8uW2ILE...@giganews.com>, m...@vex.net says...
> Anyway, Erland Sommarskog has eliminated himself by answering with a
> dimensionless number. This contest is now open only to Bruce Bowler,
> Marc Dashevsky, Joshua Kreitzer, Stephen Perry, Peter Smyth, and
> the entrant posting as "ArenEss". You have up to 4 days to enter
> Round 6, from the time this is posted.
>
>
> 6. According to the USNO's Astronomical Almanac, the mass of the
> Sun is how many times the mass of the Earth?
1,000,000
> dimensionless number. This contest is now open only to Bruce Bowler,
> Marc Dashevsky, Joshua Kreitzer, Stephen Perry, Peter Smyth, and
> the entrant posting as "ArenEss". You have up to 4 days to enter
> Round 6, from the time this is posted.
>
>
> 6. According to the USNO's Astronomical Almanac, the mass of the
> Sun is how many times the mass of the Earth?
Mark Brader
May 20, 2017, 6:19:54 PM5/20/17
to
Mark Brader:
** CORRECT ** 332,946.0487
Stephen Perry 333,000 *1.0002
ArenEss 350,000 *1.0512
Bruce Bowler 1,000,000 *3.003
Marc Dashevsky 1,000,000 *3.003
Joshua Kreitzer 1,000,000 *3.003
The correct answer shown is accurate to ±0.0007; see the second
page of
http://asa.usno.navy.mil/static/files/2017/Astronomical_Constants_2017.pdf
Peter Smyth is eliminated. This contest is now open only to
7. In a normal adult human body, how many bones are in the legs
and feet, excluding the sesamoid bones that vary from one person
to another?
--
Mark Brader, Toronto | "I conducted a Usenet poll ... on this subject ...
m...@vex.net | Laura is single. By a 2-1 margin." --Ken Perlow
> 6. According to the USNO's Astronomical Almanac, the mass of the
> Sun is how many times the mass of the Earth?
Peter Smyth 67,152 /4.958
> Sun is how many times the mass of the Earth?
** CORRECT ** 332,946.0487
Stephen Perry 333,000 *1.0002
ArenEss 350,000 *1.0512
Bruce Bowler 1,000,000 *3.003
Marc Dashevsky 1,000,000 *3.003
Joshua Kreitzer 1,000,000 *3.003
The correct answer shown is accurate to ±0.0007; see the second
page of
http://asa.usno.navy.mil/static/files/2017/Astronomical_Constants_2017.pdf
Peter Smyth is eliminated. This contest is now open only to
Bruce Bowler, Marc Dashevsky, Joshua Kreitzer, Stephen Perry,
and the entrant posting as "ArenEss". You have up to 4 days to
enter Round 7, from the time this is posted.
7. In a normal adult human body, how many bones are in the legs
and feet, excluding the sesamoid bones that vary from one person
to another?
--
Mark Brader, Toronto | "I conducted a Usenet poll ... on this subject ...
m...@vex.net | Laura is single. By a 2-1 margin." --Ken Perlow
ArenEss
May 20, 2017, 9:22:57 PM5/20/17
to
>7. In a normal adult human body, how many bones are in the legs
> and feet, excluding the sesamoid bones that vary from one person
> to another?
52
> and feet, excluding the sesamoid bones that vary from one person
> to another?
ArenEss
Joshua Kreitzer
May 21, 2017, 10:16:15 AM5/21/17
to
m...@vex.net (Mark Brader) wrote in
news:nMidncbvzLCZXL3E...@giganews.com:
> Peter Smyth is eliminated. This contest is now open only to
> Bruce Bowler, Marc Dashevsky, Joshua Kreitzer, Stephen Perry,
> and the entrant posting as "ArenEss". You have up to 4 days to
> enter Round 7, from the time this is posted.
>
> 7. In a normal adult human body, how many bones are in the legs
> and feet, excluding the sesamoid bones that vary from one person
> to another?
--
Joahua Kreitzer
grom...@hotmail.com
swp
May 21, 2017, 5:44:26 PM5/21/17
to
On Saturday, May 20, 2017 at 6:19:54 PM UTC-4, Mark Brader wrote:
>
> 7. In a normal adult human body, how many bones are in the legs
> and feet, excluding the sesamoid bones that vary from one person
> to another?
64 minus the sesamoid bones (kneecap, 2 at base of 1st metatarsel)
>
> 7. In a normal adult human body, how many bones are in the legs
> and feet, excluding the sesamoid bones that vary from one person
> to another?
my my answer is 58
swp
Bruce
May 22, 2017, 8:58:09 AM5/22/17
to
On Sat, 20 May 2017 17:19:48 -0500, Mark Brader wrote:
> 7. In a normal adult human body, how many bones are in the legs
> and feet, excluding the sesamoid bones that vary from one person to
> another?
48
> 7. In a normal adult human body, how many bones are in the legs
> and feet, excluding the sesamoid bones that vary from one person to
> another?
Marc Dashevsky
May 22, 2017, 12:15:24 PM5/22/17
to
In article <nMidncbvzLCZXL3E...@giganews.com>, m...@vex.net says...
> 7. In a normal adult human body, how many bones are in the legs
> and feet, excluding the sesamoid bones that vary from one person
> to another?
40
> and feet, excluding the sesamoid bones that vary from one person
> to another?
Mark Brader
May 22, 2017, 2:13:14 PM5/22/17
to
Mark Brader:
Bruce Bowler 48 /1.333
ArenEss 52 /1.231
Joshua Kreitzer 54 /1.185
Stephen Perry 58 /1.103
** CORRECT ** 64
Each big toe has 2 phalanges; each other toe has 3; each foot also has
5 metatarsals, 7 tarsals, and at least 2 sesamoid bones, which are
under the base of big toe; and each leg also has 3 long bones and
1 patella (which is also a sesamoid bone). Many people have
additional sesamoid bones, but those were excluded by the terms of
the question.
When I thought of this question originally, I didn't know that there
are any sesamoid bones that don't vary from one person to another,
and I didn't know that the patella qualifies as a sesamoid bone.
While checking the facts, I was corrected on these points, but I
found a source that says the patella is the only sesamoid bone that
everyone has. So I was originally expecting the answer 60. But while
the answers were coming in, I made additional checks and learned about
the other ones. As it turned out, this did not affect the result.
Marc Dashevsky is eliminated. This contest is now open only to Bruce
Bowler, Joshua Kreitzer, Stephen Perry, and the entrant posting as
"ArenEss". You have up to 4 days to enter Round 8, from the time
this is posted.
8. What is the speed of light in vacuum?
--
Mark Brader, Toronto "Just because it's correct doesn't
m...@vex.net make it right!" -- Jonas Schlein
> 7. In a normal adult human body, how many bones are in the legs
> and feet, excluding the sesamoid bones that vary from one person
> to another?
Marc Dashevsky 40 /1.600
> and feet, excluding the sesamoid bones that vary from one person
> to another?
Bruce Bowler 48 /1.333
ArenEss 52 /1.231
Joshua Kreitzer 54 /1.185
Stephen Perry 58 /1.103
** CORRECT ** 64
Each big toe has 2 phalanges; each other toe has 3; each foot also has
5 metatarsals, 7 tarsals, and at least 2 sesamoid bones, which are
under the base of big toe; and each leg also has 3 long bones and
1 patella (which is also a sesamoid bone). Many people have
additional sesamoid bones, but those were excluded by the terms of
the question.
When I thought of this question originally, I didn't know that there
are any sesamoid bones that don't vary from one person to another,
and I didn't know that the patella qualifies as a sesamoid bone.
While checking the facts, I was corrected on these points, but I
found a source that says the patella is the only sesamoid bone that
everyone has. So I was originally expecting the answer 60. But while
the answers were coming in, I made additional checks and learned about
the other ones. As it turned out, this did not affect the result.
Marc Dashevsky is eliminated. This contest is now open only to Bruce
Bowler, Joshua Kreitzer, Stephen Perry, and the entrant posting as
"ArenEss". You have up to 4 days to enter Round 8, from the time
this is posted.
8. What is the speed of light in vacuum?
--
Mark Brader, Toronto "Just because it's correct doesn't
m...@vex.net make it right!" -- Jonas Schlein
ArenEss
May 22, 2017, 3:15:34 PM5/22/17
to
>8. What is the speed of light in vacuum?
186,000 miles per second (not sure if it varies
if its in a vacuum, or elsewheres. Isn't space
generally regarded as a vacuum anyways?)
ArenEss
Joshua Kreitzer
May 22, 2017, 9:15:36 PM5/22/17
to
m...@vex.net (Mark Brader) wrote in news:GLKdnbyPO8Wot77EnZ2dnUU7-
KPN...@giganews.com:
>
>
> Marc Dashevsky is eliminated. This contest is now open only to Bruce
> Bowler, Joshua Kreitzer, Stephen Perry, and the entrant posting as
> "ArenEss". You have up to 4 days to enter Round 8, from the time
> this is posted.
>
> 8. What is the speed of light in vacuum?
186,200 miles per second
--
Joshua Kreitzer
grom...@hotmail.com
KPN...@giganews.com:
>
>
> Marc Dashevsky is eliminated. This contest is now open only to Bruce
> Bowler, Joshua Kreitzer, Stephen Perry, and the entrant posting as
> "ArenEss". You have up to 4 days to enter Round 8, from the time
> this is posted.
>
> 8. What is the speed of light in vacuum?
--
Joshua Kreitzer
grom...@hotmail.com
Bruce
May 23, 2017, 9:48:21 AM5/23/17
to
On Mon, 22 May 2017 13:13:09 -0500, Mark Brader wrote:
> 8. What is the speed of light in vacuum?
186,000 miles/second
> 8. What is the speed of light in vacuum?
swp
May 23, 2017, 4:19:25 PM5/23/17
to
299,800,000 meters per second
swp, over the lan and through the firewalls to msb we go...
swp, over the lan and through the firewalls to msb we go...
Mark Brader
May 23, 2017, 5:07:01 PM5/23/17
to
Mark Brader:
ArenEss 186,000 mi/s /1.0015182637
Joshua Kreitzer 186,200 mi/s /1.0004425217
** CORRECT ** 299,792,458 m/s
Stephen Perry 299,800,000 m/s *1.0000251574
This was a metrology question because the meter is now defined in
terms of the second and the speed of light, thus making the correct
answer exact by definition.
Bruce Bowler, who posted later than the entrant posting as "ArenEss",
is eliminated. This contest is now open only to Joshua Kreitzer,
Stephen Perry, and ArenEss. You have up to 4 days to enter Round 9,
rotation, is the "flattening factor", which is how much you have
to multiply the *difference between the axes* by in order to
get the length of the major axis. For example, in an ellipse
whose axes are 72 and 90 potrzebies long, the flattening
factor is 5, since 5 в (90 - 72) = 90. A narrower ellipse
has a smaller flattening factor. So, in the WGS84 reference
ellipsoid representing the shape of the Earth, what is the
flattening factor?
--
Mark Brader | "It is refreshing to have Republican presidential
Toronto | candidates we can believe about *something*.
m...@vex.net | I believe what Bush says about Dole...
| And... what Dole says about Bush." --Craig B. Leman
> 8. What is the speed of light in vacuum?
Bruce Bowler 186,000 mi/s /1.0015182637
ArenEss 186,000 mi/s /1.0015182637
Joshua Kreitzer 186,200 mi/s /1.0004425217
** CORRECT ** 299,792,458 m/s
Stephen Perry 299,800,000 m/s *1.0000251574
This was a metrology question because the meter is now defined in
terms of the second and the speed of light, thus making the correct
answer exact by definition.
Bruce Bowler, who posted later than the entrant posting as "ArenEss",
is eliminated. This contest is now open only to Joshua Kreitzer,
Stephen Perry, and ArenEss. You have up to 4 days to enter Round 9,
from the time this is posted.
9. One way to describe the shape of an ellipse, or an ellipsoid of
rotation, is the "flattening factor", which is how much you have
to multiply the *difference between the axes* by in order to
get the length of the major axis. For example, in an ellipse
whose axes are 72 and 90 potrzebies long, the flattening
factor is 5, since 5 в (90 - 72) = 90. A narrower ellipse
has a smaller flattening factor. So, in the WGS84 reference
ellipsoid representing the shape of the Earth, what is the
flattening factor?
--
Mark Brader | "It is refreshing to have Republican presidential
Toronto | candidates we can believe about *something*.
m...@vex.net | I believe what Bush says about Dole...
| And... what Dole says about Bush." --Craig B. Leman
swp
May 23, 2017, 5:43:38 PM5/23/17
to
I hope I didn't do this backwards, or misguess on the oceans impact.
298 1/4
swp
298 1/4
swp
ArenEss
May 23, 2017, 7:08:25 PM5/23/17
to
>9. One way to describe the shape of an ellipse, or an ellipsoid of
> rotation, is the "flattening factor", which is how much you have
> to multiply the *difference between the axes* by in order to
> get the length of the major axis. For example, in an ellipse
> whose axes are 72 and 90 potrzebies long, the flattening
> factor is 5, since 5 × (90 - 72) = 90. A narrower ellipse
> rotation, is the "flattening factor", which is how much you have
> to multiply the *difference between the axes* by in order to
> get the length of the major axis. For example, in an ellipse
> whose axes are 72 and 90 potrzebies long, the flattening
> has a smaller flattening factor. So, in the WGS84 reference
> ellipsoid representing the shape of the Earth, what is the
> flattening factor?
1 / 300
> ellipsoid representing the shape of the Earth, what is the
> flattening factor?
ArenEss
Joshua Kreitzer
May 23, 2017, 10:01:06 PM5/23/17
to
m...@vex.net (Mark Brader) wrote in news:-YSdnYu14pftObnEnZ2dnUU7-
I3N...@giganews.com:
>
> Bruce Bowler, who posted later than the entrant posting as "ArenEss",
> is eliminated. This contest is now open only to Joshua Kreitzer,
> Stephen Perry, and ArenEss. You have up to 4 days to enter Round 9,
> from the time this is posted.
>
>
> 9. One way to describe the shape of an ellipse, or an ellipsoid of
> rotation, is the "flattening factor", which is how much you have
> to multiply the *difference between the axes* by in order to
> get the length of the major axis. For example, in an ellipse
> whose axes are 72 and 90 potrzebies long, the flattening
> factor is 5, since 5 в (90 - 72) = 90. A narrower ellipse
> has a smaller flattening factor. So, in the WGS84 reference
> ellipsoid representing the shape of the Earth, what is the
> flattening factor?
My guess:
1000
--
Joshua Kreitzer
grom...@hotmail.com
I3N...@giganews.com:
>
> Bruce Bowler, who posted later than the entrant posting as "ArenEss",
> is eliminated. This contest is now open only to Joshua Kreitzer,
> Stephen Perry, and ArenEss. You have up to 4 days to enter Round 9,
> from the time this is posted.
>
>
> 9. One way to describe the shape of an ellipse, or an ellipsoid of
> rotation, is the "flattening factor", which is how much you have
> to multiply the *difference between the axes* by in order to
> get the length of the major axis. For example, in an ellipse
> whose axes are 72 and 90 potrzebies long, the flattening
> factor is 5, since 5 в (90 - 72) = 90. A narrower ellipse
> has a smaller flattening factor. So, in the WGS84 reference
> ellipsoid representing the shape of the Earth, what is the
> flattening factor?
1000
--
Joshua Kreitzer
grom...@hotmail.com
Mark Brader
May 24, 2017, 12:38:41 AM5/24/17
to
Mark Brader:
> 9. One way to describe the shape of an ellipse, or an ellipsoid of
> rotation, is the "flattening factor", which is how much you have
> to multiply the *difference between the axes* by in order to
> get the length of the major axis. For example, in an ellipse
> whose axes are 72 and 90 potrzebies long, the flattening
> factor is 5, since 5 × (90 - 72) = 90. A narrower ellipse
> rotation, is the "flattening factor", which is how much you have
> to multiply the *difference between the axes* by in order to
> get the length of the major axis. For example, in an ellipse
> whose axes are 72 and 90 potrzebies long, the flattening
> has a smaller flattening factor. So, in the WGS84 reference
> ellipsoid representing the shape of the Earth, what is the
> flattening factor?
ArenEss 1/300 /89,477.16707
> ellipsoid representing the shape of the Earth, what is the
> flattening factor?
Stephen Perry 298 1/4 /1.0000242198
** CORRECT ** 298.257223563
Joshua Kreitzer 1,000 *3.352810665
See e.g. http://confluence.qps.nl/pages/viewpage.action?pageId=29855173
for the correct answer.
The entrant posting as "ArenEss" has apparently eliminated themselves
by misreading the question, with the result that we're down to Joshua
Kreitzer and Stephen Perry for the final round. You have 4 days to
enter, if you need it.
10. What is the (universal) gravitational constant? (Obviously, I am
not asking for a definition of it!)
--
Mark Brader "So the American government went to IBM
Toronto to come up with a data encryption standard
m...@vex.net and they came up with...?" "EBCDIC!"
Mark Brader
May 24, 2017, 12:40:32 AM5/24/17
to
Mark Brader:
definition of what it means is not what I'm asking for!)
--
Mark Brader "So the American government went to IBM
Toronto to come up with a data encryption standard
m...@vex.net and they came up with...?" "EBCDIC!"
> 9. One way to describe the shape of an ellipse, or an ellipsoid of
> rotation, is the "flattening factor", which is how much you have
> to multiply the *difference between the axes* by in order to
> get the length of the major axis. For example, in an ellipse
> whose axes are 72 and 90 potrzebies long, the flattening
> factor is 5, since 5 × (90 - 72) = 90. A narrower ellipse
> rotation, is the "flattening factor", which is how much you have
> to multiply the *difference between the axes* by in order to
> get the length of the major axis. For example, in an ellipse
> whose axes are 72 and 90 potrzebies long, the flattening
> has a smaller flattening factor. So, in the WGS84 reference
> ellipsoid representing the shape of the Earth, what is the
> flattening factor?
> ellipsoid representing the shape of the Earth, what is the
> flattening factor?
ArenEss 1/300 /89,477.16707
Stephen Perry 298 1/4 /1.0000242198
** CORRECT ** 298.257223563
Joshua Kreitzer 1,000 *3.352810665
See e.g. http://confluence.qps.nl/pages/viewpage.action?pageId=29855173
for the correct answer.
The entrant posting as "ArenEss" has apparently eliminated themselves
by misreading the question, with the result that we're down to Joshua
Kreitzer and Stephen Perry for the final round. You have 4 days to
enter, if you need it.
10. What is the (universal) gravitational constant? (Obviously, a
Stephen Perry 298 1/4 /1.0000242198
** CORRECT ** 298.257223563
Joshua Kreitzer 1,000 *3.352810665
See e.g. http://confluence.qps.nl/pages/viewpage.action?pageId=29855173
for the correct answer.
The entrant posting as "ArenEss" has apparently eliminated themselves
by misreading the question, with the result that we're down to Joshua
Kreitzer and Stephen Perry for the final round. You have 4 days to
enter, if you need it.
definition of what it means is not what I'm asking for!)
--
Mark Brader "So the American government went to IBM
Toronto to come up with a data encryption standard
m...@vex.net and they came up with...?" "EBCDIC!"
Joshua Kreitzer
May 24, 2017, 1:39:16 AM5/24/17
to
m...@vex.net (Mark Brader) wrote in news:EpidnUWz1N0mk7jEnZ2dnUU7-
LnN...@giganews.com:
> The entrant posting as "ArenEss" has apparently eliminated themselves
> by misreading the question, with the result that we're down to Joshua
> Kreitzer and Stephen Perry for the final round. You have 4 days to
> enter, if you need it.
>
>
> 10. What is the (universal) gravitational constant? (Obviously, a
> definition of what it means is not what I'm asking for!)
Not knowing the unit for this, I'm going to give an answer:
9.8 meters per second per second
because it's something that I know that does have to do with gravity.
--
Joshua Kreitzer
grom...@hotmail.com
LnN...@giganews.com:
> The entrant posting as "ArenEss" has apparently eliminated themselves
> by misreading the question, with the result that we're down to Joshua
> Kreitzer and Stephen Perry for the final round. You have 4 days to
> enter, if you need it.
>
>
> 10. What is the (universal) gravitational constant? (Obviously, a
> definition of what it means is not what I'm asking for!)
9.8 meters per second per second
because it's something that I know that does have to do with gravity.
--
Joshua Kreitzer
grom...@hotmail.com
swp
May 24, 2017, 1:54:33 AM5/24/17
to
On Wednesday, May 24, 2017 at 12:40:32 AM UTC-4, Mark Brader wrote:
> 10. What is the (universal) gravitational constant? (Obviously, a
> definition of what it means is not what I'm asking for!)
>
> --
> Mark Brader "So the American government went to IBM
> Toronto to come up with a data encryption standard
> m...@vex.net and they came up with...?" "EBCDIC!"
>
> My text in this article is in the public domain.
6.066 x 10^-11 meters^3 * kg^-1 * seconds^-2 (the # of the beast, or close to it)
> 10. What is the (universal) gravitational constant? (Obviously, a
> definition of what it means is not what I'm asking for!)
>
> --
> Mark Brader "So the American government went to IBM
> Toronto to come up with a data encryption standard
> m...@vex.net and they came up with...?" "EBCDIC!"
>
> My text in this article is in the public domain.
swp, who hates coding errors at 1:45am
Mark Brader
May 24, 2017, 2:25:39 AM5/24/17
to
Mark Brader:
> 10. What is the value of the (universal) gravitational constant?
Stephen Perry 0.00000000006066 m³/kg s² /1.100
** CORRECT ** 0.0000000000667428 m³/kg s²
Joshua Kreitzer 9.8 m/s²
For the correct answer see the same source as in the astronomy round.
In a disappointing finish, this contest has effectively ended with two
consecutive self-disqualifications -- this one by Joshua Kreitzer for
giving an answer with the wrong dimensionality. It likely wouldn't've
mattered anyway, as this was a pretty tough question and STEPHEN PERRY
came nearly within 10% of the correct answer.
So hearty congratulations to Stephen, who has stayed the course and wins
this contest!
--
Mark Brader | "If you have any problems, any at all, you come see me...
Toronto | although that would be a huge admission of failure on your part."
m...@vex.net | --Veronica, "Better Off Ted" (Becky Mann & Audra Sielaff)
> 10. What is the value of the (universal) gravitational constant?
Stephen Perry 0.00000000006066 m³/kg s² /1.100
** CORRECT ** 0.0000000000667428 m³/kg s²
Joshua Kreitzer 9.8 m/s²
For the correct answer see the same source as in the astronomy round.
In a disappointing finish, this contest has effectively ended with two
consecutive self-disqualifications -- this one by Joshua Kreitzer for
giving an answer with the wrong dimensionality. It likely wouldn't've
mattered anyway, as this was a pretty tough question and STEPHEN PERRY
came nearly within 10% of the correct answer.
So hearty congratulations to Stephen, who has stayed the course and wins
this contest!
--
Mark Brader | "If you have any problems, any at all, you come see me...
Toronto | although that would be a huge admission of failure on your part."
m...@vex.net | --Veronica, "Better Off Ted" (Becky Mann & Audra Sielaff)
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