A PUZZLE
Here's a good test for intelligent minds. Allegedly, this is one of the questions for potential Microsoft employees. Some people really get caught up trying to solve this problem. Reportedly, one guy solved it by writing a C program, although it took him 37 minutes to develop (compiled and ran on the first try though!) Another guy solved it in 3 minutes,a group of 50 at Motorola couldn't figure it out at all. So see how long it takes you, here we go....
U2 has 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. It is night, there is one flashlight. A maximum of two people can cross at one time. Any party who crosses, either 1 or 2 people, MUST have the flashlight with them. The flashlight must be walked 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 mans 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
when they get to the other side of the bridge. If Larry then returns with
the flashlight, a total of 20 minutes have elapsed and you have failed
the mission.
Notes: There is no trick behind this, it is the simple movement of resources
in the appropriate order.
Note: Microsoft expects you to answer this question in under 5 minutes.
It took the Dragon team 8 minutes..........blah...
I have the answer IF you need it!!!!!
Please let me know if you work it out!