Author: David Dory
Date: 18:10:18 01/15/02
From the Feb. 17, 1991 Parade Magazine Column "Ask Marilyn" "You are in error - and you have ignored good counsel..." Frank Rose, Ph.D. University of Michigan "I have been a faithful reader of your column and have not, until now, had any reason to doubt you. However, in this matter, in which I do have expertise, your answer is clearly at odds with the truth." James Rauff, Ph.D., Millikin University. "May I suggest you obtain and refer to a standard textbook on probability before you try to answer a question of this type again?" Charles Reid, Ph.D., University of Florida "Your logic is in error, and I am sure you will receive many letters on this topic from high school and college students. Perhaps you should keep a few addresses for help with future columns." W. Robert Smith, Ph.D., Georgia State University "You are utterly incorrect about the game-show question, and I hope this controversy will call some attention to the serious national crisis in mathematical education. If you can admit your error, you will have contributed constructively toward the solution of a deplorable situation." "How many irate mathematicians are needed to get you to change your mind?" E. Ray Bobo, Ph.D "I am in shock that after being corrected by at least three mathematicians, you still do not see your mistake." Kent Ford, Dickinson State University "You are the goat!" Glenn Calkins, Western State College "You're wrong, but look at the positive side. If all those Ph.D.'s were wrong, the country would be in very serious trouble." Everett Harman, Ph.D., U.S. Army Research Institute Marilyn then restates the entire game show problem, and notes how the mailroom is beginning to sink under the weight of all the letters, faxes, etc. Finally, "Dear Marilyn:" "You're indeed correct. My colleagues at work had a ball with this problem; and I dare say that most of them, including myself at first, thought you were wrong!" Seth Kalson, Ph.D., Massachussets Institute of Technology Marilyn's comment: "Thanks, MIT. I needed that" Nice Riddle, indeed. Dave Rather shocked that I kept this page for all these years!
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