Science NFT -Need math help - Page 2

Frosty · 01-22-2009, 03:29 PM

Since it seems to be homework day on CP, I was hoping there were some math wizzes around. In the past, there were a few math majors around, IIRC.

My wife is helping out with the Math Is Cool team at our middle school and has run into a problem that she can't explain how to do mathematically. I am no help here because I sucked at probability in college.

The problem goes something like:"Cindy is buying four balloons. She can pick from any of four different colors. How many unique combinations can she make?"

On first thought, it would just be 4x4x4x4 (256). However, some of those combinations are duplicates (RRBB = RBBR). You can brute force it out by listing the different combinations to get the answer of 35 but this is too slow for a competition.

Any help on how to explain this mathematically so the kids can do the problem quickly?

TipRoast · 01-22-2009, 03:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by arc

Thanks, TipRoast!

You're welcome.

I happened to have a videotape of my last statistics class, right next to my videotape of the 2007 opening game versus the Jets.

bizzar54 · 01-22-2009, 03:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by arc

Me too. I went through a lot of high end math to get my engineering degree but I always had a brain lock on this stuff.

I always wondered how many fellow engineers were on this site. Structural is my game.

Frosty · 01-22-2009, 03:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bizzar54

I always wondered how many fellow engineers were on this site. Structural is my game.

Electrical here.

bizzar54 · 01-22-2009, 03:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by arc

Electrical here.

Well then I guess there is a good chance you make more than me...damnit!!!

Frosty · 01-22-2009, 04:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bizzar54

Well then I guess there is a good chance you make more than me...damnit!!!

Unlikely. I chose to work for a small company coming out of college so I could live in a small town in the sticks. I just got my first raise in almost 10 years and still make less than most new graduates do, despite almost 14 years experience.

Oh well, my house payment is $580 a month and it takes me 15 minutes to drive to work and I only work 40-45 hours a week (4 10s with Friday off) versus the typical 50 - 60 hours a week in the cities.

MagicHef · 01-22-2009, 04:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bizzar54

I always wondered how many fellow engineers were on this site. Structural is my game.

Mechanical.

bizzar54 · 01-22-2009, 04:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by arc

Unlikely. I chose to work for a small company coming out of college so I could live in a small town in the sticks. I just got my first raise in almost 10 years and still make less than most new graduates do, despite almost 14 years experience.

Oh well, my house payment is $580 a month and it takes me 15 minutes to drive to work and I only work 40-45 hours a week (4 10s with Friday off) versus the typical 50 - 60 hours a week in the cities.

Wow first raise in 10 years....they have some good year end bonuses? Hours are similar, although 5 - 9 hr days are no comparison to 4 - 11s. Although my house payment is double yours. Definitely something to be said about small town living.

bizzar54 · 01-22-2009, 04:45 PM

Are you guys seeing the struggles of the economy with your companies. I never really thought too much of how shitty things were until friends emailed me asking for help getting a job. I know several KC firms that have laid off people. Always thought that engineering would be such a solid career. Guess it doesnt matter how great your company is if your clients just cant afford shit.

Frosty · 01-22-2009, 04:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bizzar54

Wow first raise in 10 years....they have some good year end bonuses?

I got a nice Carhartt jacket for Christmas?

Eh, I have a job that I like that isn't high pressure.

Just eat lots of potatoes for me, okay?

dtforever · 01-22-2009, 04:50 PM

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01-22-2009, 03:29 PM
Frosty Go Beavers! Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Washington Casino cash: $3518243	NFT -Need math help Since it seems to be homework day on CP, I was hoping there were some math wizzes around. In the past, there were a few math majors around, IIRC. My wife is helping out with the Math Is Cool team at our middle school and has run into a problem that she can't explain how to do mathematically. I am no help here because I sucked at probability in college. The problem goes something like:"Cindy is buying four balloons. She can pick from any of four different colors. How many unique combinations can she make?" On first thought, it would just be 4x4x4x4 (256). However, some of those combinations are duplicates (RRBB = RBBR). You can brute force it out by listing the different combinations to get the answer of 35 but this is too slow for a competition. Any help on how to explain this mathematically so the kids can do the problem quickly?
Posts: 14,537

01-22-2009, 04:45 PM	#23
bizzar54 Starter Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Lees Summit Casino cash: $10004900	Are you guys seeing the struggles of the economy with your companies. I never really thought too much of how shitty things were until friends emailed me asking for help getting a job. I know several KC firms that have laid off people. Always thought that engineering would be such a solid career. Guess it doesnt matter how great your company is if your clients just cant afford shit.
Posts: 60

01-22-2009, 04:50 PM	#25
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