A Beautiful Mind: Jennifer Connelly's Puzzle Problem

  • Thread starter Thread starter Jeff Ford
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Mind
AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on the math problem featured in the film "Good Will Hunting," specifically the challenge posed to the main character. Participants express curiosity about the details of the problem, which involves finding the adjacency matrix, calculating the number of three-step walks, and determining generating functions for walks between specified points. There is acknowledgment of a lack of mathematical knowledge among some participants, with a request for clearer explanations. Additionally, it is noted that the film inaccurately portrays the solvability of the problem, suggesting that it can indeed be solved. A link to further mathematical resources is provided for those seeking more information.
Jeff Ford
Messages
154
Reaction score
2
I know, I'm years behind the rest of the world, but I just saw this for the first time. I've been wondering what the problem is he writes on the board that Jennifer Connelly tries to solve.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Sorry, I've never seen the movie, but someone told me I needed to watch it!
 
I want to know what the math problem in Good will hunting that the main character solves is.
 
Smurf said:
I want to know what the math problem in Good will hunting that the main character solves is.
Find
1) the adjacency matrix A
2) the matrix giving the number of three step walks
3) the generation function for walks from i -> j
4) the generation function for walks from 1 -> 3
 
Last edited:
Okay you're going to have to explain that in (just a few) more words...
 
I`d like to be able to help but my maths knowledge is very poor!
I know what the question is, as i asked myself the same question you did? but i don`t know how to solve it:confused:
try this for some more info
http://mathworld.wolfram.com/AdjacencyMatrix.html

oh and it is solvable the film got it wrong.
 
Last edited:

Thread 'Status Update by JRMichler'

Just ONCE, I wanted to see a post titled Status Update that was not a blatant, annoying spam post by a new member. So here it is. Today was a good day here in Northern Wisconsin. Fall colors are here, no mosquitos, no deer flies, and mild temperature, so my morning run was unusually nice. Only two meetings today, and both went well. The deer that was road killed just down the road two weeks ago is now fully decomposed, so no more smell. Somebody has a spike buck skull for their...
View full post »
Thread 'RIP George F. Smoot III (1945-2025)'

Thread 'RIP George F. Smoot III (1945-2025)'

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Smoot https://physics.berkeley.edu/people/faculty/george-smoot-iii https://apc.u-paris.fr/fr/memory-george-fitzgerald-smoot-iii https://elements.lbl.gov/news/honoring-the-legacy-of-george-smoot/ https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/physics/2006/smoot/facts/ https://www.aps.org/publications/apsnews/200611/nobel.cfm https://inspirehep.net/authors/988263 Structure in the COBE Differential Microwave Radiometer First-Year Maps (Astrophysical Journal...
View full post »

Similar threads

Beauty and wonder of science boosts researchers’ well-being
Replies
3
Views
1K
What is the Beauty of Alaska's Inside Passage?
Replies
5
Views
1K
How are creative math ideas come up with to solve problems?
Replies
1
Views
1K
How Can I Find Peace Between My Mind and Life's Chaos?
Replies
1
Views
5K
Studying Advice for How to Attack Problems
Replies
24
Views
2K
I A variation of the sleeping beauty problem
2
Replies
57
Views
6K
MHB What Defines Beauty in Mathematical Proofs and Papers?
Replies
4
Views
3K
Unusual dreams and the subconscious mind
Replies
26
Views
7K
How Can I Improve My Physics Problem-Solving Skills?
Replies
2
Views
478
MHB Collaborative Mind Mapping for Abstract Algebra: Building a Visual Blueprint
Replies
2
Views
1K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top