How can I tell how many four sided shapes are here?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around identifying and counting four-sided shapes in a given image. Participants explore different perspectives on the necessity and methodology of counting shapes, as well as the implications of their approaches.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that there is only one four-sided shape visible, describing it as a box with a red X.
  • Another participant proposes a combinatorial approach to counting, using combinations to arrive at a total of 24, questioning whether this method constitutes "counting."
  • There is a humorous commentary on the social implications of counting, particularly in relation to how one might respond to challenges about counting accuracy in everyday situations.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the number of four-sided shapes present, with one asserting there is only one and another calculating a total of 24. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the actual count.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not clarify the assumptions behind the counting methods or the definitions of what constitutes a four-sided shape in this context.

Mk
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How can I tell how many four sided shapes are here? Counting seems so... not what a smart person would do.
http://www.mensa.org/images/fourside.gif
 
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Mk said:
How can I tell how many four sided shapes are here? Counting seems so... not what a smart person would do.
I just see one - a box with a red X in it.

And, yes, counting does seem like overkill for one object, especially when the average person can discriminate between four objects. I don't start counting until there's at least five objects.

On the other hand, if the person behind you in the express lane asks you if you know how to count because you had 13 objects instead of 12, it's always good to give her an easy challenge when you hold up a finger and reply, "Yes, can you?"
 
Last edited:
BobG, copy and paste the link into your address bar.
 
Unless I've made some silly omission, total = C(4,2) + C(5,2) + 4 + C(3,2) + 1 = 6 + 10 + 4 + 3 + 1 = 24

Does that count as "counting"?
 

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