Tuesday, December 13, 2005

23 Prisoners and 2 Switches

you are one of 23 prisoners who have been given an opportunity for release if you are able to complete the following challenge:
  • all prisoners will be completely isolated into their own cells, with absolutely no communication with one another
  • there is a room with two switches (think light switch)
  • at a random time, a random prisoner is taken from their cell to the switch room, where they must flip one of the switches [and only one]. they are then led back to their cell.
  • the prisoner selection is random and the same prisoner will likely visit the switch room numerous times
  • if at any time a prisoner declares that they have all been to the switch room and he is correct, then they are all set free. if he is incorrect, they will all be executed.
you, as the leader, must devise a fool proof plan...
[ there is a solution to the problem as stated, you do not need to bend the rules or find a loop hole. ]

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