WWLVIII: Escape From Angband (or Behavioral Modification) - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Mithalwen · 03-27-2009, 01:24 PM

Q: How many mathematicians does it take to screw in a light bulb?

A''': In an earlier article, X writes:

Q: How many mathematicians does it take to screw in a light bulb?

A: One. He gives it a philosopher, thereby reducing the problem to an earlier joke...

In earlier work, Wiener [1] has shown that one mathematician can change a light bulb.

If k mathematicians can change a light bulb, and if one more simply watches them do it, then k+1 mathematicians will have changed the light bulb.

Therefore, by induction, for all n in the positive integers, n mathematicians can change a light bulb.

Bibliography:

[1] Wiener, Matthew P., <11485@ucbvax>, Re: YALBJ, 1986

03-27-2009, 01:24 PM	#1
Mithalwen Pilgrim Soul Join Date: May 2004 Location: watching the wonga-wonga birds circle... Posts: 9,461	For Mac Q: How many mathematicians does it take to screw in a light bulb? A''': In an earlier article, X writes: Q: How many mathematicians does it take to screw in a light bulb? A: One. He gives it a philosopher, thereby reducing the problem to an earlier joke... In earlier work, Wiener [1] has shown that one mathematician can change a light bulb. If k mathematicians can change a light bulb, and if one more simply watches them do it, then k+1 mathematicians will have changed the light bulb. Therefore, by induction, for all n in the positive integers, n mathematicians can change a light bulb. Bibliography: [1] Wiener, Matthew P., <11485@ucbvax>, Re: YALBJ, 1986 __________________ “But Finrod walks with Finarfin his father beneath the trees in Eldamar.” Christopher Tolkien, Requiescat in pace