Robert Messer

1. To solve the equation  x^{xx ···}= 2,  notice that the exponent of the base  x  is the same as the entire left-hand side of the equation. Hence the equation can be rewritten  x² = 2.  It follows that  x =   is a solution to the equation.  In other words, when    is substituted for  x  in the tower of exponents, the value of the expression is  2.
   Now the equation  x^{xx ···}= 4  similarly leads to  x⁴ = 4.  So  x =  =   is a solution to this equation.  In other words, when    is substituted for  x  in the tower of exponents, the value of the expression is  4.

   It appears that for  x =   the tower of exponents has the value of both  2  and  4.  Does this mean that  2 = 4?

   Answer

2. What is wrong with the following implication?

   If + 3 = 1, then (by subtracting 3 from both sides and squaring) x = 4.

   Answer

3. Suppose v is a nonzero vector. Is the set {v,v} linearly independent?

   Answer

4. Here are two dogbone toys made of completely malleable rubber. Can the object on the left be unlinked (without cutting apart or merging together) so it looks like the one on the right?

   

   Answer

5. What is nonorientable and lives in the sea?

   

   Answer

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Modified March 22, 2008, by Robert Messer