This ought to be of interest to design professionals -
Given a length measuring device, with specified error; that is, standard deviation. This error is absolute, independent of the object measured.
Given two thin rods, equal diameter, one longer than the other. You wish to measure their lengths, minimizing the total error. You are permitted two measurements.
Just measure each one, no brainer, right? Or, hmmm... can you do better...
Put them end on end and measure once. Then measure one. A minus B
Bravo!
Maybe too easy? Stumped me, anyway -
It would be interesting to do a survey, find out how many engineers would see the trick.
Here's a famous one with 3 LEDs and 3 switches in series with a fixed R and 9V battery yet each switch selects a unique LED.
WTF, can you explain what's going on there? Is there more in the battery case than a 9V battery? GH
The secret is tiny under the other parts
OK I cheated and searched. The oscillator(s) is hidden in the 9V battery connector.
GH
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