[engineer question] burning rope

martyr · 2004-09-28, 07:40 PM

this is a recruiting tool my dad uses when hiring support/software engineers. if you're looking for a job in bangalore, reading this thread is cheating.

you have a length of rope and an ignition source. the rope is known to burn for exactly 60 minutes end to end.

with no other tools, indicate the passage of 45 minutes

DaShiznit · 2004-09-28, 07:43 PM

I'd take the rope, fold it in half, fold those halves in half, and then count how long it takes for 3 of the quarters to burn.

Squeeky · 2004-09-28, 07:44 PM

I'd take the rope and hang myself with it because the question confuses me.

Ivan · 2004-09-28, 07:45 PM

Originally Posted by Squeeky

I'd take the rope and hang myself with it because the question confuses me.

Jaged · 2004-09-28, 07:45 PM

Fold the rope in half, then fold one of those halves in half again. Mark the point (3/4 up the rope) with a burn mark from the ignition source. light the rope and when it reaches the burn mark 45 min have passed.

edit: damnit dashiznit that was my idea not yours.

Infernus · 2004-09-28, 07:45 PM

Originally Posted by Squeeky

I'd take the rope and hang myself with it because the question confuses me.

Strangle the person giving the test then burn his corpse... it takes 45 minutes for human bones to melt... ( no idea really but do it anyway)

martyr · 2004-09-28, 07:47 PM

5points for the rope folding. yes... now for part two

Jaged · 2004-09-28, 07:48 PM

Whats part 2? We already solved the entire problem.

Squeeky · 2004-09-28, 07:49 PM

Originally Posted by Jaged

Whats part 2?

You must tell us what the meaning of life is.

AztecWarrior · 2004-09-28, 07:50 PM

Originally Posted by DaShiznit

I'd take the rope, fold it in half, fold those halves in half, and then count how long it takes for 3 of the quarters to burn.

What he said.

martyr · 2004-09-28, 07:50 PM

http://www.planetside-universe.com/f...ad.php?t=25977

part two.

Jaged · 2004-09-28, 07:51 PM

Oh, this is probably a trick question....

Do you fold the rope into a clock or something?

I bet the answer has nothing to do with burning rope, am I right?

Triggar · 2004-09-28, 07:51 PM

Wrong.

Ivan · 2004-09-28, 07:52 PM

Originally Posted by Jaged

Oh, this is probably a trick question....

Do you fold the rope into a clock or something?

I bet the answer has nothing to do with burning rope, am I right?

Yeah it must have somthing to do with "smoking rope" if you know what I mean...

Squeeky · 2004-09-28, 07:53 PM

In before the lock