Guidelines for posting/answering a challenging problem or puzzle

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In summary: The next choice, "Mark As Unsolved Challenge", makes the thread invisible to other forum members, and allows those who wish to view the challenges to do so.The third choice, "Remove Thread Prefix", removes the thread prefix from the post.The fourth choice, "Do Nothing", just leaves the thread as is.If you have any questions about these new guidelines, please don't hesitate to ask anemone or one of the moderators.In summary, these are the new guidelines for posting in this sub-forum: -Only one question be posted per thread-Posting more than one question per thread can make the thread/discussion convoluted and
  • #1
MarkFL
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MHB
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Hello Everyone,

This forum is for the posting of problems and puzzles which our members find challenging, instructional or interesting and who wish to share them with others. As such, the OP should already have the correct solution ready to post in the event that no correct solution is given within at least 1 week's time. The only exception to the rule that the OP have a solution to the problem is in the case where an "Unsolved Challenge" is being posted. These will be carefully monitored to ensure this feature is not being abused, that is, used as a means of getting help without showing effort.

While certainly not mandatory, we ask that $\LaTeX$ be used where applicable, both by the authors of the problems and by those responding with solutions. I think we can all agree that plain text formatting of all but the simplest of expressions is hard to read and is the reason $\LaTeX$ was developed in the first place.

We kindly ask that only one question be posted per thread, although multiple part questions are fine. Posting more than one question per thread can make the thread/discussion convoluted and hard to follow.

Please do not use copyrighted material, either a problem or solution unless given permission to do so by the author.

Please do not give a link to another site as a means of providing a solution, either by the author of the thread posted here, or by someone responding with a solution.

The authors of and responders to these threads should be prepared to type out their own fully explained, well-written solution and then be ready to field questions asking for clarification and provide additional insights/explanations regarding how the solution was found if asked.

Responses to these threads should be limited to attempts at a full solution, or requests for clarification addressed to the OP if the problem statement is vague or ambiguous. Suggestions and hints should be left up to the OP to make at their discretion.

When posting a solution, please use the spoiler function (The "Sp" button on the toolbar) to hide your solution from others. This allows folks reading the thread to choose whether or not they wish to view the posted solutions.

Riddles that are more humorous or trivial in their solution should be posted in the Chat Room forum, as this forum is for problems and puzzles that require some type of mathematics/logic in order to solve them.

We wish to thank those who participate in posting these challenges and puzzles for the enjoyment of our members, and those taking up the challenge and providing solutions as well.

MHB Staff.
 
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  • #2
Hello again everyone,

We have amended the guidelines for posting in this sub-forum, and I am making this post to call attention to this. Please read the new guidelines, and then have fun posting and solving. :D

Once again, I wish to thank everyone who has helped make this sub-forum such a huge success. MHB is made more fun and informative through your efforts! (Clapping)

I also want to give a reminder to those of you who enjoy challenging problems to check out the POTW problems too. Jameson and Chris L T521 have done and anemone, Ackbach and Euge do a marvelous job with these questions! (Sun)
 
  • #3
Hello, MHB Community! (Wave)

Those of you active in this forum have likely noticed some new thread prefixes associated with a few of the threads posted here:

View attachment 7387

These are the brainchild of our "Challenge Questions and Puzzles" star anemone.

In her tireless quest to find interesting and challenging problems, she has accumulated problems for which no solution has been given, nor can be found. As you know, we normally ask that when you post a Challenge problem, you have a solution to that problem, but we have added the special case where the solution to a challenging problem is being sought, that is not part of a course assignment. Problems presented as an "Unsolved Challenge" will be subject to close scrutiny by the moderating staff, and our staff reserves the right to move any threads that seem suspect in any way.

To mark a challenge problem as unsolved, after you have submitted the thread, click on the "Thread Tools" drop-down menu above the first post, on the right:

View attachment 7378

Click on "Mark As Unsolved Challenge" and the thread prefix will be added.

Once the problem has received at least one satisfactory solution, then you have the following four choices, listed in decreasing order of preferred action:

  • Use the "Thread Tools" menu to "Unmark Challenge As Unsolved"
  • Use the "Thread Tools"menu to mark the thread as "[SOLVED]"
  • Use the "Thread Tools" menu to "Remove Thread Prefix"
  • Do nothing
The first choice, the preferred course of action, leaves a trail showing that the thread was once marked as an "Unsolved Challenge" and now has a solution. If you do nothing after getting a satisfactory solution, there is a good chance the moderating staff will use the first choice to mark the thread appropriately.

View attachment 7379

We hope you find this new category of challenging problems widens the scope for problems presented here and that one of our more active forums continues to provide fun for our community!

-MHB Staff
 

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FAQ: Guidelines for posting/answering a challenging problem or puzzle

What are the guidelines for posting a challenging problem or puzzle?

The guidelines for posting a challenging problem or puzzle are as follows:

  • Provide a clear and concise title that accurately describes the problem or puzzle.
  • Include all necessary information and context for understanding the problem or puzzle.
  • Avoid posting problems or puzzles that are inappropriate, offensive, or discriminatory.
  • State the desired level of difficulty and any specific rules or constraints for solving the problem or puzzle.
  • Include any additional resources or hints that may be helpful for solving the problem or puzzle.

How should I format my answer to a challenging problem or puzzle?

When posting an answer to a challenging problem or puzzle, it is important to follow these guidelines:

  • Start by restating the problem or puzzle in your own words.
  • Explain your thought process and the steps you took to arrive at your answer.
  • Include any relevant equations, diagrams, or other visual aids to support your solution.
  • Double-check your answer for accuracy and clarity.
  • If possible, provide multiple approaches or solutions to the problem or puzzle.

Can I ask for help or collaborate with others on a challenging problem or puzzle?

Yes, collaboration and seeking help from others can be a valuable learning experience when tackling a challenging problem or puzzle. However, it is important to follow these guidelines:

  • Clearly state if you are seeking help or collaboration in your post.
  • Respect the rules and guidelines set by the original poster of the problem or puzzle.
  • Be willing to contribute and share your own insights and ideas.
  • Give credit where credit is due and avoid plagiarism.
  • Remember to use proper netiquette and be respectful towards others.

What should I do if I am struggling to solve a challenging problem or puzzle?

If you are having difficulty solving a challenging problem or puzzle, here are some tips that may help:

  • Take a break and come back to the problem or puzzle with a fresh perspective.
  • Break the problem or puzzle down into smaller, more manageable parts.
  • Try approaching the problem or puzzle from a different angle or using a different method.
  • Consult outside resources, such as textbooks or online forums, for additional guidance.
  • Reach out to others for help or collaboration, but make sure to respect the guidelines set by the original poster.

Are there any consequences for not following the guidelines when posting or answering a challenging problem or puzzle?

If a user consistently fails to follow the guidelines when posting or answering a challenging problem or puzzle, they may face consequences such as warnings, suspensions, or even permanent bans from the platform. This is to maintain a respectful and productive community for all users.

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