Can you solve the problem of "The Unfair Subway"?
Marvin
gets off work at random times between 3 and 5 p.m. His mother lives
uptown, his girlfriend downtown. He takes the first subway that comes in
either direction and eats dinner with the one he is delivered to. His
mother complains that he never comes to see her, but he says she has a
50-50 chance. He has had dinner with her twice in the last 20 working
days. Explain.
Marvin's adventures in probability are one
of the fifty intriguing puzzles that illustrate both elementary ad
advanced aspects of probability, each problem designed to challenge the
mathematically inclined. From "The Flippant Juror" and "The Prisoner's
Dilemma" to "The Cliffhanger" and "The Clumsy Chemist," they provide an
ideal supplement for all who enjoy the stimulating fun of mathematics.
Professor
Frederick Mosteller, who teaches statistics at Harvard University, has
chosen the problems for originality, general interest, or because they
demonstrate valuable techniques. In addition, the problems are graded as
to difficulty and many have considerable stature. Indeed, one has
"enlivened the research lives of many excellent mathematicians."
Detailed solutions are included. There is every probability you'll need
at least a few of them.
