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Answer 4: Triangular BilliardsEither 2 florins and a sixpence; or else a half crown and 2 shillings. ReasoningAgain, Carol's line of argument is presented:Call them x, y, z; and let x+y+z=s
The chance, that the pocket contains 2 balls, is 2/3; and, if it does, the 'expectation' is the average value of Also the chance, that it contains only one, is 1/3; and, if it does, the 'expectation' is s/3. Hence total 'expectation'=4s/9+s/9=5s/9. Therefore 5s/9=30d.; therefore s=54d=4shillings 6d Hence, the coins must be 2 florins and a sixpence; or else a half-crown and 2 shillings Back to puzzle list |