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Old 01-30-2008, 01:21 PM   #287
Happy Monkey
I think this line's mostly filler.
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: DC
Posts: 13,575
Quote:
Originally Posted by Phage0070 View Post
We cannot simply say that the hypothetical treadmill is not capable of doing something the model specifically states it will do. That would change the original question itself. (BTW, the particular way the treadmill is stated in the problem is incorrect, but this interpretation attempts to follow the spirit of the question)
That's your mistake. The trick in the trick question is that it is phrased in a way that encourages you to interpret its spirit rather than its words. It subtly encourages you to choose the physically impossible interpretation.

If there are two interpretations, and one requires a treadmill that can stop a jet engine using friction in the bearings of the landing gear, pick the other interpretation.
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