Mechatronics - Puzzle #1 with answer

Why to Solve Puzzle ?

Brain produces a chemical known as dopamine that is chiefly responsible for learning and memory. The production of this chemical increases in the brain at the time when it is engaged in solving the jigsaw puzzle. Working on puzzles and solving them provides us with very many helpful benefits.


The Surprising Benefits of Puzzle Solving for Adults
  • Improved Memory. Solving puzzles helps reinforce existing connections between our brain cells.


  • Better Problem-Solving Skills. 
  • Improved Visual-Spatial Reasoning. 
  • More Education Opportunities.
  • Increased IQ.
  • Delay Dementia and Alzheimer's. 
  • Improved Mood.
  • Lower Stress Levels.

So in our blog we will start sharing puzzle's frequently.....


Puzzle #1

Four Robots need to climb a building at night. Unfortunately, they have only one torch and the building is too dangerous to climb without one. The building is only strong enough to support two robots at a time. Not all robots take the same time to climb the building. Times for each robot:  1 min, 2 mins, 7 mins and 10 mins. What is the shortest time needed for all four robots to climb up the building?
Solution:
The initial solution most people will think of is to use the fastest person as an "usher" to guide everyone to climb. How long would that take? 10 + 1 + 7 + 1 + 2 = 21 mins. Is that it? No. That would make this question too simple even as a warm up question.

Let’s brainstorm a little further. To reduce the amount of time, we should find a way for 10 and 7 to go together. If they climb together, then we need one of them to come back to get the others. That would not be ideal. How do we get around that? Maybe we can have 1 waiting on the Top to bring the torch back. 

Now, we are getting closer. The fastest way to get 1 across and be back is to use 2 to "usher" 1 across. So let’s put all this together.

1 and 2 climb to top
2 comes down
7 and 10 climb to top
1 comes down
1 and 2 climb to top (done)

Total time = 2 + 2 + 10 + 1 + 2 = 17 mins

 If you have any other shortcuts provide it in the comment section with explanation

#puzzle
#puzzleoftheday
#mechatronics

2 comments:

  1. the shortest time needed for all four robots to climb up the building Is 12 minutes. Because when two robots are climbing at the same time the maximum time will be taken by both the robots to climb it. So we are sending 1minute robot with 2 minute and 7minute robot with 10 minute. So by adding two maximum time i.e. 2+10=12.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Please go through the question carefully...
      they are having only one torch...

      Delete

Comments are welcome !