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A statistical paradox—(1)

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  22 September 2016

M. J. O’Carroll
M. J. O’Carroll*
Affiliation:
Dept of Mathematics and Statistics, Teesside Polytechnic, Middlesbrough, Cleveland TS1 3BA
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Extract

The interest of a problem, to me at least, depends on the simplicity of its statement and the subtlety of its solution. The four-colour problem is a good example. When the solution of the problem also brings surprise, the interest becomes fascination. Good paradoxes particularly fascinate me for they even start with a surprise, and in this case the resolution brings another.

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Type
Research Article
Information
The Mathematical Gazette , Volume 67 , Issue 442 , December 1983 , pp. 273 - 275
Copyright
Copyright © Mathematical Association 1983

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References

1. Dodgson, Charles L. (Carroll, alias Lewis), Pillow problems and a tangled tale (1884).Google Scholar
2. Easingwood, Trevor, Random triangles, Math. Gaz., 65, 245–249 (1981).Google Scholar
3. Ainley, Stephen, A probable paradox, Math. Gaz., 66, 300–301 (1982).Google Scholar
4. O’Carroll, M. J., On the probability of general and concurrent alignments of randomly distributed points, Science and Archaeology, 21, 37–40 (1979).Google Scholar
5. Devereux, Paul and Forrest, Robert, Straight lines on an ancient landscape, New Scientist, 23 December 1982.Google Scholar