I'm going to go crazy!!

[2Slow4U_Noob]

I've been doing this for like an hr...I must be missing something!


BRAINTEASER NUMBER 1

There are no tricks - this is a straight forward problem. This is supposed to be one of the questions which potential Microsoft employees are asked.

U2 have a concert that starts in 17 minutes and they must all cross a bridge to get there. All four men begin on the same side of the bridge. You must help them across to the other side. It is night. There is one flashlight.

A maximum of two people can cross at one time. Any party that crosses the bridge, either 1 or 2 people, must have the flashlight with them. The flashlight must be carried back and forth, it cannot be thrown, etc. Each band member walks at a different speed. A pair must walk together at the rate of the slower man's pace:

* Bono: - 1 minute to cross
* Edge: - 2 minutes to cross
* Adam: - 5 minutes to cross
* Larry: - 10 minutes to cross

For example: if Bono and Larry walk across first, 10 minutes have elapsed by the time they get to the other side of the bridge. If Larry then returns with the flashlight, a total of 20 minutes have passed and you have failed the mission.

There is no trick to this. It is a simple movement of resources in the appropriate order. There are two known answers to this problem. Microsoft expects you to answer this question in under 5 minutes!

[lamehonda]

trying to figure it out.

where did you find this?

All I can say is that if they are going to make the concert on time with me making the calls, larry better kick it up a notch

[Raz_Kaz]

Oh God I can barely keep myself focused on one thing. Lack of sleep makes you a bit woozy every now and again.

[2Slow4U_Noob]

Originally Posted by lamehonda

trying to figure it out.

where did you find this?

All I can say is that if they are going to make the concert on time with me making the calls, larry better kick it up a notch

I was looking at this page

http://www.ukorbit.com/iBizarre.htm

and found this site there

http://www.grand-illusions.com/

which is where this puzzle was ..there are other ones on there, but damn this one looks so easy, but then when you start working it out its obviously impossible. It has the solutions posted, but I'm not ready to give up yet.

[taranaki]

edit.....solved

play those instruments guys.

Where's the problem?

[2Slow4U_Noob]

Originally Posted by taranaki

edit.....solved

play those instruments guys.

Where's the problem?

I must be missing something

Bono and Larry cross the bridge thats 10 mins Bono has to walk back with the flash lights thats another minute making it 11 minutes total that has passed. Then Bono and Adam cross taking 5 minutes which brings the total to 16 then Bono has to cross back taking another minute making it 17 total then he picks up Edge and together they take 2 minutes making it 19 minutes total which is 2 over the limit and if U2 is late the fans riot!

[Raz_Kaz]

Alright, heres what I got


Bono and Edge Cross = 2 min
Bono comes back leaving Edge= 3 min
Adam and Larry = 13 min
Edge comes back = 15 min
Edge and Bono Cross = 17min...

and then the other way
Bono and Edge = 2 min
Edge Comes back = 4 min
Adam and Larry = 14min
Bono comes back = 15 min
Edge and Bono cross = 17 min...

[RSX-S777]

What if Bono carries each member across on his shoulders...now that's thinking outside the box. Eat it, Gates...

[Gloriahusk]

Solution


Bono + Edge go across first 2mins
Edge comes back with torch 2mins
Adam + Larry go across 10mins
Bono comes back with torch 1min
Bono + Edge go across again 2mins

Total time = 17mins

You only count the slowest one of the two couples time across....

[Integra06]

Originally Posted by Gloriahusk

Solution


Bono + Edge go across first 2mins
Edge comes back with torch 2mins
Adam + Larry go across 10mins
Bono comes back with torch 1min
Bono + Edge go across again 2mins

Total time = 17mins

You only count the slowest one of the two couples time across....

You missed it by about 2 hours.

[Gloriahusk]

I say they just give the concert on the bridge...the fans will come to them!

[Integra06]

Just have Bono and the other two kick Larry in the ass a couple times so he'll hurry up.

[Raz_Kaz]

or introduce Larry to Atkins

[Ricochet]

Easy as that huh? too bad you are wrong, even with the answer provided a few times above
Learn how to read.

[Gloriahusk]

I like Raz's idea better....