Naked Science Forum

General Discussion & Feedback => Radio Show & Podcast Feedback => Topic started by: thedoc on 29/04/2012 11:54:01

Title: Why couldn't I solve the 9 dot problem until I saw it on paper?
Post by: thedoc on 29/04/2012 11:54:01

Kelvin Jones  asked the Naked Scientists:
   
Hello Dr. Chris,

I am current listening to the up all night podcast in which you were puzzling over the 9-dot problem.

As I was walking for 10 minutes trying to picture the 9 points, I couldn't figure out how to solve the puzzle.

As soon as I got to the train station I wrote the points down on a notebook and immediately solved it. Weird. Might have something to do with being a programmer and used to solving problems... unfortunately my left-brain is somewhat less developed.

Love the up all night programme (http://www.thenakedscientists.com/HTML/podcasts/).

Regards,

Kelvin Jones.

What do you think?

Title: Re: Why couldn't I solve the 9 dot problem until I saw it on paper?
Post by: CliffordK on 15/05/2012 04:22:24

Interesting.

•  •  •
•  •  •
•  •  •

I first saw the "puzzle" (connect all dots with 4 straight lines without lifting your pencil) presented as a "think outside the box" situation.

Perhaps when you're imaging the grid in your mind,  you automatically form a box around it. 
Only once you get it down on paper, you can truly think outside of the box.