Purchase Solution

Miner and Bickford's Fuse : How to get a Fuse of Specific Length

Not what you're looking for?

Ask Custom Question

You are a miner and you have three pieces of Bickford's fuse of equal length. You need only 3/4 of one of them. You have no ruler or other measurement device with you. You cannot also bend the fuses as they are old and can be broken at any point while being bent. You only can ignite them from any end and extinguish at any moment. What would you do to get 3/4 of the fuse?

Purchase this Solution

Solution Summary

The method of obtaining a fuse of specified is determined. How you can get a specific length is determined.

Solution Preview

Ignite simultaneously one fuse from both ends and the second from one end. When the first fuse ...

Purchase this Solution


Free BrainMass Quizzes
Multiplying Complex Numbers

This is a short quiz to check your understanding of multiplication of complex numbers in rectangular form.

Graphs and Functions

This quiz helps you easily identify a function and test your understanding of ranges, domains , function inverses and transformations.

Probability Quiz

Some questions on probability

Geometry - Real Life Application Problems

Understanding of how geometry applies to in real-world contexts

Know Your Linear Equations

Each question is a choice-summary multiple choice question that will present you with a linear equation and then make 4 statements about that equation. You must determine which of the 4 statements are true (if any) in regards to the equation.