Calvin and Hobbes by Bill Watterson for April 27, 1987
April 26, 1987
April 28, 1987
Transcript:
Book: Point A is twice as far from point C as point B is from A. If the distance from point B to point C is 5 inches, how far is point A from point C? Calvin: The living dead don't need to solve word problems.
Hardcore math problem for a 6-year-old. It depends on the angle BAC.Here is a graph of the set of the solutions with the value of AC depending on the value of the angle BAC in radians : http://i.imgur.com/PhoSi.pngI’d rather walk dead than having to solve this by hand, searching for limits and tangents.
If they are in a straight line, it should be 10 inches, or 3 1/3 inches. I believe the possible answers lie on a hyperbola, so the answer may be anything over 3 1/3 inches. A diagram, or more constraints, sure would help.
The lengths of the sides are X, 2X, and 5. We are asked to find 2X. The term “distance” is used, so the triangle inequality applies. Therefore:
X + 2X >= 5
X + 5 >= 2X
5 + 2X >= X
Reducing, and solving for 2X:
2X >= 3 1/3
2X <= 10
2X >= -10
So all we know, without further assumptions is that AC is between 3 1/3 and 10, inclusive.
Note that this analysis does not assume and particular distance function. In particular it does not assume a distance function derived from a euclidian norm. But I doubt Calvin’s teacher could even tell you what that means.
As pointed out above, in one dimension — all points on the same line — the answer can be either 10 or 3 1/3; while, in more dimensions, it can also be anywhere between. The location of points on a plane where A can be found is a circle; this is called the Apollonius circle theorem.
DragonWizzard over 13 years ago
This is how I fell when I get these math problems.
ilovemypapillon almost 13 years ago
I don’t think that is possible to solve whether you are dead or alive
comicmath over 12 years ago
Maybe with a diagram
overlived about 12 years ago
two inches less than a foot and i’m in zombie town
jeanmichel about 12 years ago
Hardcore math problem for a 6-year-old. It depends on the angle BAC.Here is a graph of the set of the solutions with the value of AC depending on the value of the angle BAC in radians : http://i.imgur.com/PhoSi.pngI’d rather walk dead than having to solve this by hand, searching for limits and tangents.
WilliamBill about 12 years ago
Isn’t it a straight line? 10"?
bmonk almost 12 years ago
If they are in a straight line, it should be 10 inches, or 3 1/3 inches. I believe the possible answers lie on a hyperbola, so the answer may be anything over 3 1/3 inches. A diagram, or more constraints, sure would help.
yow4zip Premium Member almost 12 years ago
That’s why zombies eat brains.
pink54836 almost 10 years ago
um i think this just goes in circles
VRAssassinCreed over 9 years ago
10
the calvinosaurus that calvin wanted to discover about 9 years ago
yeah 10
BarrelO'Molasses Premium Member over 7 years ago
10"
zahaanr7 over 6 years ago
10"
donerito over 6 years ago
It’s only 10" if you make assumptions (and we all know that makes an ass-of-u-&-me).
MegaCass over 5 years ago
AC = 2ABBC = 5BC = ABAB = 5AC = 2AB = 2 × 5 = 10AC = 1010 inches.
divad27182 over 5 years ago
The lengths of the sides are X, 2X, and 5. We are asked to find 2X. The term “distance” is used, so the triangle inequality applies. Therefore:
X + 2X >= 5
X + 5 >= 2X
5 + 2X >= X
Reducing, and solving for 2X:
2X >= 3 1/3
2X <= 10
2X >= -10
So all we know, without further assumptions is that AC is between 3 1/3 and 10, inclusive.
Note that this analysis does not assume and particular distance function. In particular it does not assume a distance function derived from a euclidian norm. But I doubt Calvin’s teacher could even tell you what that means.
DevilDog2001 Premium Member over 5 years ago
AB: 5"
BC: 5"
AC: 10"
ComicFan4Life almost 4 years ago
He just straight up turns into a zombie, nice
Peartato almost 4 years ago
I love C&H and have read every single one of them multiple times, but this is one of the few that actually makes me audibly laugh every time.
The_bunny_guy over 3 years ago
I’m in accelerated math, I would figure this out if their was a use for it.
Unicorn55 (Happy New Year 2022!) about 3 years ago
The Living Dead don’t need to solve math at all
chassimmons almost 3 years ago
As pointed out above, in one dimension — all points on the same line — the answer can be either 10 or 3 1/3; while, in more dimensions, it can also be anywhere between. The location of points on a plane where A can be found is a circle; this is called the Apollonius circle theorem.
Nate Wright (Mischief God) almost 3 years ago
Last three panels… eek!
Drunk Larry 12 months ago
10