Monday, June 13, 2011

"Light-bulb" Math Riddles

  1. How many mathematicians does it take to change a light bulb? None. The answer is intuitively obvious or. It's left to the reader as an exercise.
  2. How many numerical analysts does it take to change a light bulb? 3.9967 (after six iterations).
  3. How many mathematical logicians does it take to change a light bulb? None. They can't do it, but they can easily prove that it can be done.
  4. How many classical geometers does it take to change a light bulb? None. You can't do it with a straight edge and a compass.
  5. How many math analysts does it take to change a light bulb? Three. One to prove existence, one to prove uniqueness and one to derive a nonconstructive algorithm to do it.
  6. How many number theorists does it take to change a light bulb? I don't know the exact number, but I am sure it must be some rather elegant prime.
  7. How many statisticians does it take to screw in a light bulb? We really don't know yet. Our entire sample was skewed to the left!
  8. How many math students does it take to change a light bulb? Ten. One to do it and nine to watch.
  9. How many topologists does it take to change a light bulb? Just one. But what will you do with the doughnut?
  10. How many professors does it take change a light bulb? One. With eight research students, two programmers, three post-docs and a secretary to help him.
  11. How many university lecturers does it take to change a light bulb? Four. One to do it and three to co-author the paper.
  12. How many graduate students does it take to change a light bulb? Only one. But it takes nine years.
  13. How many administrators does it take to change a light bulb? None. What was wrong with the old one?

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