A Simple Logic Problem

Hessakia

Senior member
May 15, 2001
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3 people pair up and play chess together (A, B, C). Each pair plays the same number of games. For each win, a player gets 1 point and for each tie the player gets 1/2 point. No points are rewarded for a loss.

how is it possible for the following three statements to be correct?

Player A: "I'm the best because I have the most wins"
Player B: "I'm the best because I have the least amount of losses"
Player C" "I'm the best because I have the most points"
 

calbear2000

Golden Member
Oct 17, 2001
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Smells a little like college homework :)

9 variables, 9 equations. Just plug it into a matrix solver or a linear programming application like Lindo/Lingo.

 

Hessakia

Senior member
May 15, 2001
491
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In all honesty, its not for any of my classes--i seen the problem posted on the wall--and i've been thinking about it all day.
 

Kyteland

Diamond Member
Dec 30, 2002
5,747
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81
Start by picking a nice round number. Say everyone plays 100 games, 50 against each opponent.

a plays b: a wins 20, b wins 27, a and b tie 3
a plays c: a wins 21, c wins 29, a and c tie 0
b plays c: b wins 0, c wins 0, b and c tie 50

overall this gives a 41 wins, 56 losses, 3 ties, and a score of 42.5
overall this gives b 27 wins, 20 losses, 53 ties, and a score of 53.5
overall this gives c 29 wins, 21 losses, 50 ties, and a score of 54
 

marquee

Banned
Aug 25, 2003
574
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And the school bully comes around, kicks the crap out of the chess club dorks, and claims he's the best.