Odd question, adding cols and rows can't get it

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a matrix manipulation problem involving substitutions and summation of rows and columns to achieve a specific total. The context is related to an entrance exam question, specifically focusing on matrices and information handling.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the process of substituting values in the matrix and question the correctness of their calculations. There is confusion about the application of the substitution rules and the resulting totals from the rows and columns.

Discussion Status

Some participants are clarifying the substitution process and addressing potential errors in calculations. There is acknowledgment of a typo and a realization that the matrix needs to be revisited after substitutions. The discussion reflects a mix of exploration and clarification without a clear consensus on the correct approach yet.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention the constraints of a timed exam and the pressure associated with it, which may influence their approach to solving the problem. There is also a reference to the nature of the exam questions, indicating a possible disconnect between expectations and the actual content.

mr_coffee
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Code:
Column1	Col 2	Col 3	Col 4	Col 5
Row 1	A	#	A	3	E
2	E	A	#	C	3
3	3	E	A	#	C
4	C	3	E	A	#
5	#	C	3	E	A


Substitute every # in an odd-numbered row with a 6. Substitute every C in an odd-numbered column with a 4. Which

pair of rows and columns, when their numbers are added together, equal 13?

Answer: Row 3 Column 1


When I do what they say i get:

row 1: A 6 A 3 E
row 3: 3 E A 6 C
row 5: 6 C 3 E A

well if u add row 1, 3, or 6 u get 9

for the columns I got:
col 1: A E 3 4 #
col 3: A # A E 3
col 5: E 3 4 # A

total for col 1 = 7
total for col 3 = 3
total for col 5 = 7

How did they get row 3 column 1 = 13?

THank u
 
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Well, why didn't you substitute the last C in row 3 (which is in column 5) with a 4? That is an odd problem. What on EARTH is it for? Obedience training?
 
whoops that was a typo,
i got it, once i do that i didn't relaize they wanted me to plug it back into the matrix..

actually this is a problem on IBM's entrance exam, I got interviewed for an internship and the next step of getting hired is to take an exam.

I'm afraid to start it, they are easy questions but they are timed, and you don't get much time and its very easy to make a small mistake, they have 3 parts to the exam this is the "matrices" part but they don't seem to be asking any matrices questions, just information handling, so who knows how this will go!
 
What on EARTH is it for? Obedience training?[\QUOTE]

mr_coffee said:
actually this is a problem on IBM's entrance exam...

Good catch, Dick :smile:
 

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