HanClinto Administrator Posts: 1828 From: Indiana Registered: 10-11-2004 |
Hey all! No, this isn't about missions-work, this is about a logic puzzle. I was reading on Coding Horror this morning about classic algorithm puzzles, and came across a nice interactive Flash animation of the Cannibals and Missionaries problem. quote: Just thought others might like to think about it and try to work it out as a fun brain exercise. Cheers! --clint |
Jari Member Posts: 1471 From: Helsinki, Finland Registered: 03-11-2005 |
Thanks Clint! That was discusting! - to see cannibals eat missionary, maybe it was because I just ate... Nice puzzle, I couldn't figure it out yet... Got only two cannibals on the left bank. Edit: ------------------ [VoHW] (Help needed) [Blog] (Contact) - Truedisciple (mp3) [This message has been edited by jari (edited September 14, 2007).] [This message has been edited by jari (edited September 14, 2007).] |
Matt Langley Member Posts: 247 From: Eugene, OR, USA Registered: 08-31-2006 |
Finally completed it, fun little game. ------------------ |
HanClinto Administrator Posts: 1828 From: Indiana Registered: 10-11-2004 |
When I originally posted the thread, I hadn't yet beaten it. After Matt posting that he figured it out, that spurred me on with new determination, and I was able to get it. I think this shows one of the ways that games can enhance puzzles and make them more mentally engaging and easy to manipulate. It's still good to be able to work such things out on paper, but having it interactive like this is nice as well. --clint |
Cohort X Member Posts: 126 From: The Great Pacific Northwest Registered: 09-16-2006 |
Fun game, old puzzle. I beat it in the five minutes before I had to leave for work. It's a nice lesson on looking at the ultimate goal rather than the immediate effect of an action. Because...
it is counter intuitive. If you want to send the missionaries across the river you first have to send over two cannibals and no missionaries. Things start out looking good for the cannibals but after a couple trades they find themselves back where they started with the missionaries getting what they wanted without giving up anything. |
ArchAngel Member Posts: 3450 From: SV, CA, USA Registered: 01-29-2002 |
got it. fun little puzzle. ------------------ |