This computer trick is a little better

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a computer trick involving a .swf file that purportedly reads minds. Participants explore how the trick works, share their experiences with it, and discuss related brain teasers and mathematical reasoning.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants assert that the .swf file cannot read minds and propose that there is a logical explanation behind the trick.
  • Others report varying success with the trick, with some claiming it worked consistently while others found it unreliable.
  • A participant suggests that the trick's effectiveness may depend on how one interacts with the interface, indicating a possible pattern in the responses.
  • There is mention of a mathematical ordering in the symbols presented in the trick, which some participants believe is key to understanding it.
  • Some participants express feelings of embarrassment for not realizing the solution sooner, while others share anecdotes about similar brain teasers that confuse even skilled individuals.
  • A later reply discusses a paper folding and cutting trick, suggesting that it also has a surprising solution that may not be immediately obvious to everyone.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the effectiveness of the trick, with multiple competing views on how it works and varying experiences reported. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the precise mechanics behind the trick.

Contextual Notes

Some participants mention specific conditions that may affect the trick's success, such as the choice of numbers or mathematical skills, but these points are not universally accepted or clarified.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in puzzles, mathematical reasoning, and cognitive tricks may find this discussion engaging.

Ivan Seeking
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http://mr-31238.mr.valuehost.co.uk/assets/Flash/psychic.swf

doo doo doo doo
 
Last edited by a moderator:
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I know how it works

Of course a .swf file can't read our mind! I know how it works. I'll PM what I got to you, Ivan. Hope other members who view this thread later than me can still investigate the trick behind.
 


Originally posted by KL Kam
Of course a .swf file can't read our mind! I know how it works. I'll PM what I got to you, Ivan. Hope other members who view this thread later than me can still investigate the trick behind.

Quite an obvious solution.
 
It doesn`t even work, I tried it 8 times and not once did I get the correct one, stupid thing
 
That's just weird! It got mine right 10 times in a row. How does it work?
 
I found that if i just looked at a picture and then clicked the ball it never worked, but if i did as it said it worked everytime, please explain that to me.
 
Look at the pattern at which the symbol repeat themselves in the chart, and consider the mathematical causes for such ordering...

It isn't hard.
 
Originally posted by FZ+
Look at the pattern at which the symbol repeat themselves in the chart, and consider the mathematical causes for such ordering...

It isn't hard.

No FZ+, really, Bill Gates can read your mind through your computer. Finally, the proof that Jobs and I have been looking for!:wink:
 
I was never any good at maths!

(obviously still isn't any good)
 
  • #10
i tried it 8 times and it gives me 4 right awnsers ... the wrong awnsers was in (0-9) then it will always give you a right number...


if you didn't know the way think of these:
9-18-27-36-...
well i think now you know it :smile:
 
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  • #11
Before clicking on the mind reader, try to pick 10 different numbers arbitraily, then you'll know how it works ... good luck :wink:
 
  • #12
Well, now it's so obvious, that I feel a little stupid for not having gotten it before .
 
  • #13
Originally posted by Mentat
Well, now it's so obvious, that I feel a little stupid for not having gotten it before .

Hey Mentat don't feel bad. I kept quite a few engineers at Boeing busy with this. Many people just don't notice the solution. Also, they [the web site] purposely move an error around the answer set to really throw you. I have another brain teaser that involves folding and cutting paper. You are left with something that appears impossible to make; right in front of you on the table. It is interesting that this tends to stump PhDs for a time, but women who sew a lot see the answer instantly.
 
  • #14
Originally posted by Ivan Seeking
Hey Mentat don't feel bad. I kept quite a few engineers at Boeing busy with this. Many people just don't notice the solution. Also, they [the web site] purposely move an error around the answer set to really throw you. I have another brain teaser that involves folding and cutting paper. You are left with something that appears impossible to make; right in front of you on the table. It is interesting that this tends to stump PhDs for a time, but women who sew a lot see the answer instantly.

Can you teach me this?
 
  • #15
for those who got it wrong, you have one of 2 problems

1. you chose a 1 digit number. It asked you to pick a 2 digit number

2. you are terrible at adding and subtracting.
 
  • #16
Originally posted by Mentat
Can you teach me this?

You mean the paper trick?
 
  • #17
Originally posted by Ivan Seeking
You mean the paper trick?

Yeah, if you don't mind.
 
  • #18
Originally posted by Mentat
Yeah, if you don't mind.

Sure! I love this kind of stuff.
Start with a piece of clean, plain white printer paper, or a similar 8.5 by 11" sheet. The main thing is that the paper is unmarked - there are no lines. Get a pair of scissors and make a total of three cuts:

First, measure [approximately] along the length of the sheet from the end to about of the 3" and 8" points [about three inches from either end]. Now, at each of these points, make a cut across the sheet to exactly the half way point plus a about a 16th of an inch - ie 4 and 9/16 inches. [edit: make that 5/16th" not 9/16th]

For the third cut. From the other side of the page and exactly at the mid point, cut across the page again to 4 and 9/16 inches [edit: make that 5/16th" not 9/16th].

Now grab the sheet at both ends [along the length,] and twist one side of the sheet 180 degrees. This rotation twists about the midpoint and is made possible by the second and third cuts.

Now you should have a 5" flap in the middle of the sheet. Make sure this side is up. Fold this back and forth at the line that forms the intersection of this flap with the sheet. Keep in mind that the sheet should be otherwise flat [flat on the tabletop] with a flap sticking up vertically. Flatten evenly. You should be done.

Once you make clean and firm folds, the page should naturally stay in this configuration. I usually place this on a table and then tape it down securely with the flap sticking up. Ask people to duplicate what they see; but that they can't touch the example. The twist is what fools people. This is why women who sew usually spot this quickly; they think in terms of mirror images constantly. People who don't have good topological thought processes are usually quite baffled. Also, people usually either see the solution immediately, or not for some time if at all. Let me know how you do. These things are much easier to show than to describe.
 
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