If you did this a thousand times, you would most likely win more money having chosen the red box every time. So in any individual case, picking the red box is best (though there is more risk involved).
Mathematically, AVG(blue) = x and AVG(red) = (2x+.5x)/2 = 1.25x
I guess it's another way to say statistically you have a greater chance of getting more money as a result of opening the red box versus chosing to stay with the box you've opened with £20. A little too much like gambling methinks. People play this sort of game five times a week on The Price is Right, and other similar game shows.
My friend Mr. Schrödinger thinks both boxes contain £20 and £40 at the same time and the final amounts only get decided upon when one of the boxes is opened. I think my friend is a loony with too much of a liking for CP-violations, if you know what I mean ;)
Good job I watched this early or I'd have lost the plot completely. I remember a long drawn out explanation of why it is mathematically better to swap boxes when you're given three choices, I've never been the same since! Cheers, Lesley
But knowing that you like blue, I'd probably pick that one because you may have been tempted to have put the larger amount in the box painted in your favorite color.
I'll bet you've guessed by now that I wasn't a math major.
If you did this a thousand times, you would most likely win more money having chosen the red box every time. So in any individual case, picking the red box is best (though there is more risk involved).
Mathematically, AVG(blue) = x and AVG(red) = (2x+.5x)/2 = 1.25x
x < 1.25x therefore blue < red
Error081688 1 year ago
I guess it's another way to say statistically you have a greater chance of getting more money as a result of opening the red box versus chosing to stay with the box you've opened with £20. A little too much like gambling methinks. People play this sort of game five times a week on The Price is Right, and other similar game shows.
SanDiegoSouth 1 year ago
My friend Mr. Schrödinger thinks both boxes contain £20 and £40 at the same time and the final amounts only get decided upon when one of the boxes is opened. I think my friend is a loony with too much of a liking for CP-violations, if you know what I mean ;)
gammagoblin 3 years ago
I would have just taken the twenty. I never gamble and don't ever want to start. I know myself too well...
fehquig 3 years ago
I would keep the 20...a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.
grumpychuck 3 years ago
But how much is a hand in the bush worth?
BiscuitHead999 3 years ago
Good job I watched this early or I'd have lost the plot completely. I remember a long drawn out explanation of why it is mathematically better to swap boxes when you're given three choices, I've never been the same since! Cheers, Lesley
flydarling 3 years ago
I read about this puzzle at around 2am one Saturday evening. Kept me up all night until I worked it out a little after 10am. I know how feel.
billpg 3 years ago
My first thought was
"Pick the red one, it's pretty!"
But knowing that you like blue, I'd probably pick that one because you may have been tempted to have put the larger amount in the box painted in your favorite color.
I'll bet you've guessed by now that I wasn't a math major.
suchanunrulymind 3 years ago