Actually the problem is unsolvable due to a lack of constraints.
First, it never specifies the direction of the shadows relative to the posts, if the shadows share the same direction the light would be much higher.
Second, it is never specified that the light lies within the same vertical plane formed by the two posts, A third dimension adds new complexity and an abundance of possible solutions.
It’s visually represented in the game. You solve the puzzle by realizing there’s more than one “triangle” to look at. The triangle composed of the ends of the shadows, light source and floor, also creates a triangle composed of the shadow and post. You know their lengths, so you can extrapolate it into the light source’s height.
It’s a real puzzle. It’s not “math”. Math doesn’t work if you don’t know what you have to work with.
Your point about it not specifying whether it’s a 2d or 3d puzzle is fair, however only a 2d puzzle gives a neat and simple answer as 4 feet above the floor. If it was a 3d puzzle, then the possible answers would form a locus in the shape of a parabolic curve which is perpendicular to both the floor and a line traced between the 2 posts, the lowest point of said curve being 4 feet from the floor, 9 feet from the left post and 6 feet from the right, in between the 2 posts. You could probably work out some values for where various points on the locus are and come up with a formula for it but it’s a bit beyond the scope of a Professor Layton puzzle.
He said “Your point about it not specifying whether it’s a 2d or 3d puzzle is fair, however only a 2d puzzle gives a neat and simple answer as 4 feet above the floor. If it was a 3d puzzle, then the possible answers would form a locus in the shape of a parabolic curve which is perpendicular to both the floor and a line traced between the 2 posts, the lowest point of said curve being 4 feet from the floor, 9 feet from the left post and 6 feet from the right, in between the 2 posts. You could probably work out some values for where various points on the locus are and come up with a formula for it but it’s a bit beyond the scope of a Professor Layton puzzle.”.
I feel the same way. I hate the math puzzles in Professor Layton. It’s like they ran out of cool puzzles and are trying to fill in some blanks here and there :P
Actually, since this is math, you could theoretically derive the necessary rules by trial and error just like “normal” logic/move the objects into the right pattern puzzles.
While it’s true that you can’t really simplify this problem, you can actually solve it using only algebra and some knowledge of the rules of geometry. You could use trigonometry, but it’s not necessary, so I think it still qualifies as a riddle.
Also: big fan of your work, Celesse, you’re a great artist.
What the? I just realized that you’re the one making this comic. I remembered you from years back, from deviantart I think, and thought that I had just randomly ran into you on the internet.
Not really, just draw it out to simplify it. There is no math except addition here, and thats pretty simple. On the left, for every foot in height the shadow’s length is 3 feet, so for every foot in height you add to your drawing the shadow must be 3 feet longer. You do the same thing with the right and just find where the two lengths equal 15 and the heights match.
codemo
Well yeah, that works too, but only because they picked nice round values for this version of the problem. For the general solution you need algebra.
You should do more Gamer cat as sidekick art! I’m a guy, but he looks soooo cute as Luke here. He really looks good in anything you dress him in. More gamercat cosplay, haha.
ahahhaha everyone does, or at least, deal with his money :)
By the way, i love your comics: your drawing style is amazing and all the scenes are brilliant!
I wish you to become as rich and famous as Bill Gates! xD
Ugh. I hate when that happens. Its one of the things that reallly annoyed me about playing Puzzle Agent 2. Sometimes I couldn’t solve a puzzle because it was based of some annoying math equation, or the fact that I couldn’t remember offhand Pi precisely 10 digits deep.
Do one About Mario, Dragon Ball Z, Or at Least Pokemon… Those are the games I play… (I play too Zelda, but only the one of Skyward sword. I did not said to put about Legend Of Zelda, ’cause there are already Legend of Zelda Comics…)
PD:I am from Peru, so dont Judge if its not PD. Okay, the thing is. I dont play those games, Like Portal, Assasins Creed, Or Legend Of Zelda… Uh..
No offence, mate, but she can draw pictures of whatever she wants. You telling her that she shouldn’t do something because you don’t play those games isn’t exactly fair for the people who do.
Hehe, cute, as always. I haven’t really played Professor Layton, but I heard alot of good things about it, but never got around to it, seeing GC playing it makes me want to play now -twitch twitch- my friend Rhi-chan has it, so next time I see her, I will DEFINATELY ask her if I can borrow it…
That is the question.
You see, he was playing one of those Final Fantasy Tactics games and a Judge proclaimed that NO WHITE BOARDS OR DRY-ERASE MARKERS WERE ALLOWED!
Or not. It’s a secret to everybody.
I hate that as well. The puzzles should test how clever you are at dismantling the problem in creative ways by spotting some loose thread or using some trick, or at least a sliding puzzle.
Putting in a bunch of math problems just cheapens the whole thing, and it certainly makes things more difficult for any younger players.
>: I’m so terrible at the majority of Layton’s puzzles. TwT Most the time…they’re trying to trick you instead of using some actual logic. XD My mother plays the games as well and it’s pretty interesting to compare how differently we think to solve problems.
I actually really love the math puzzles in Layton games (probably only because I’m a physicist, but still). Why think to get the answer when I could just use math and let it solve itself? :D
106 thoughts on “Puzzled”
The Tubstar
4 feet from the floor, 9 feet from the left post and 6 feet from the right.
SampleText
Close, 3ft from the floor, not 4. At 4 feet high the distance would have to be 12 feet from the left and 8 feet from the right.
SampleText
I take it back, sorry you are right, Tubstar, I miss read the riddle, damn cell phone
Pokemon master
SCREW MATH, GOOGLE TIME
Pokemon Fan
I wanna be, the very best, at solving algebra!
Dun dun duna!
steamcrusader
Haters be like:
oh, well, thats nice for you, seeing as pokemons is literally just a math education game in disguise now!
me be like: SHUT UP
Switcherland
Like Professor Layton was
dun dun dun
To solve them is my real test, to beat it is my cause
dun dun dun
fdshfudh
I agree with Pokemon master! SCREW EVERYTHING! GOOGLE TIME!
StitchFan626
Exactly!
I.T.B.
Same lol
Cyborg777
Actually, The Tubstar is right. If you put the scenario on graph paper it becomes pretty easy to see.
gamer
ALGEBRAAAA GOTTA SOLVE ‘EM AAAAAAAAAAAALLL
JustAGuy
Actually the problem is unsolvable due to a lack of constraints.
First, it never specifies the direction of the shadows relative to the posts, if the shadows share the same direction the light would be much higher.
Second, it is never specified that the light lies within the same vertical plane formed by the two posts, A third dimension adds new complexity and an abundance of possible solutions.
blarg
It’s visually represented in the game. You solve the puzzle by realizing there’s more than one “triangle” to look at. The triangle composed of the ends of the shadows, light source and floor, also creates a triangle composed of the shadow and post. You know their lengths, so you can extrapolate it into the light source’s height.
It’s a real puzzle. It’s not “math”. Math doesn’t work if you don’t know what you have to work with.
hackcyborg
it’s actually easy, the places X, Y, Z where the light could be, are definite by the following equations: (X-27)²+Y²=18²; Z=sqrt(6X-45) +1.
And the limits are 45>=X>=9; 18>=|Y|; 16>=Z>=1; this taking into consideration that the origin is inthe basement of the left post.
At this point you may be asking yourself, why the fuck did i write this?, I don’t know, i had some free time and love maths.
Att. A nerd guy passing by
PD: Excuse my leaking english, i’m from México.
Seb23rules
:) You’ll be in the foreign class!
…
Waaaaaaat?
The Tubstar
Your point about it not specifying whether it’s a 2d or 3d puzzle is fair, however only a 2d puzzle gives a neat and simple answer as 4 feet above the floor. If it was a 3d puzzle, then the possible answers would form a locus in the shape of a parabolic curve which is perpendicular to both the floor and a line traced between the 2 posts, the lowest point of said curve being 4 feet from the floor, 9 feet from the left post and 6 feet from the right, in between the 2 posts. You could probably work out some values for where various points on the locus are and come up with a formula for it but it’s a bit beyond the scope of a Professor Layton puzzle.
hayo
What did you just say. *smoke comeing from head*
Axew13
He said “Your point about it not specifying whether it’s a 2d or 3d puzzle is fair, however only a 2d puzzle gives a neat and simple answer as 4 feet above the floor. If it was a 3d puzzle, then the possible answers would form a locus in the shape of a parabolic curve which is perpendicular to both the floor and a line traced between the 2 posts, the lowest point of said curve being 4 feet from the floor, 9 feet from the left post and 6 feet from the right, in between the 2 posts. You could probably work out some values for where various points on the locus are and come up with a formula for it but it’s a bit beyond the scope of a Professor Layton puzzle.”.
Zirux0
‘-‘ Am I the only One who doesn’t know a sht?
Ciro
You people must be very fun at parties xP
Argent Stonecutter
I’m SO glad I’m not the only one who immediately thought the puzzle was incomplete.
SamuraiOfPokemon
Head. Doesn’t. Be there. I’m being. Dumbeeeeeerrrrrr…
anonymous
hah not even a science dweeb can solve it aka the nerd in the comic
La Citadine
I feel the same way. I hate the math puzzles in Professor Layton. It’s like they ran out of cool puzzles and are trying to fill in some blanks here and there :P
Snowskeeper
Hey, if you skipped math class, that’s not on them. =P *Shot*
GaMERGIRL
I HATE MATH CLASS WITH MY LIFE my teacher sucks she gives us a 20 second lesson and calls it a day I LEARN NOTHING!!!
Corey Misokattsu
Yeah i broke my head at this kind of “puzzel” and the answer was an other than i thought or they are so easy that i don´t have to think!
Rhaksas
That is not a math equation; that is a riddle.
Agustine
LOL! i’m loving this!
Barkeron
Actually, since this is math, you could theoretically derive the necessary rules by trial and error just like “normal” logic/move the objects into the right pattern puzzles.
…but good luck trying that.
Tom
I like how Cat is in the same pose when he exits Layton Land.
Rollerio
I think you’re “Rolling” on track!
blarg
but it isn’t just a math problem. The puzzle is in finding the part that simplifies the whole thing.
CelesseAdministrator
There’s no way to simplify this particular one. You have to use math to solve it.
codemo
While it’s true that you can’t really simplify this problem, you can actually solve it using only algebra and some knowledge of the rules of geometry. You could use trigonometry, but it’s not necessary, so I think it still qualifies as a riddle.
Also: big fan of your work, Celesse, you’re a great artist.
codemo
What the? I just realized that you’re the one making this comic. I remembered you from years back, from deviantart I think, and thought that I had just randomly ran into you on the internet.
Small world…
SampleText
Not really, just draw it out to simplify it. There is no math except addition here, and thats pretty simple. On the left, for every foot in height the shadow’s length is 3 feet, so for every foot in height you add to your drawing the shadow must be 3 feet longer. You do the same thing with the right and just find where the two lengths equal 15 and the heights match.
codemo
Well yeah, that works too, but only because they picked nice round values for this version of the problem. For the general solution you need algebra.
harleyquinnwazhere
True that
Trenchcoat
You should do more Gamer cat as sidekick art! I’m a guy, but he looks soooo cute as Luke here. He really looks good in anything you dress him in. More gamercat cosplay, haha.
CelesseAdministrator
Well, I just couldn’t picture him as Layton, so he got thrown into Luke’s role LOL. I think it suits him too. Thanks!
Ciro
Let’s Try… Mmmh… Dragon Ball Z Suit… Or maybe Pokémon Suit. Ha ha.
Trenchcoat
Dress him up as a youngster from Pokemon! Heh… Joey and his Rattata.
Stefano
It looks like gamercat knows Bill Gates
CelesseAdministrator
He wishes!
Stefano
ahahhaha everyone does, or at least, deal with his money :)
By the way, i love your comics: your drawing style is amazing and all the scenes are brilliant!
I wish you to become as rich and famous as Bill Gates! xD
Yuxqe
so GC is actually kinda clever ._.
Morokite
Ugh. I hate when that happens. Its one of the things that reallly annoyed me about playing Puzzle Agent 2. Sometimes I couldn’t solve a puzzle because it was based of some annoying math equation, or the fact that I couldn’t remember offhand Pi precisely 10 digits deep.
Ciro
Do one About Mario, Dragon Ball Z, Or at Least Pokemon… Those are the games I play… (I play too Zelda, but only the one of Skyward sword. I did not said to put about Legend Of Zelda, ’cause there are already Legend of Zelda Comics…)
PD:I am from Peru, so dont Judge if its not PD. Okay, the thing is. I dont play those games, Like Portal, Assasins Creed, Or Legend Of Zelda… Uh..
Snowskeeper
No offence, mate, but she can draw pictures of whatever she wants. You telling her that she shouldn’t do something because you don’t play those games isn’t exactly fair for the people who do.
Ciro
:PostOnAllTheComics!:
Wolven
Hehe, cute, as always. I haven’t really played Professor Layton, but I heard alot of good things about it, but never got around to it, seeing GC playing it makes me want to play now -twitch twitch- my friend Rhi-chan has it, so next time I see her, I will DEFINATELY ask her if I can borrow it…
Wildfire
Math :/
johnwolf
wait. if GC can write, why dosn’t use the good ol’ white board and dry erase markers to communicate? it would fix a lot of problems.
Evilweirdo
That is the question.
You see, he was playing one of those Final Fantasy Tactics games and a Judge proclaimed that NO WHITE BOARDS OR DRY-ERASE MARKERS WERE ALLOWED!
Or not. It’s a secret to everybody.
JK
I hate that as well. The puzzles should test how clever you are at dismantling the problem in creative ways by spotting some loose thread or using some trick, or at least a sliding puzzle.
Putting in a bunch of math problems just cheapens the whole thing, and it certainly makes things more difficult for any younger players.
Nick Manly
Ugh, no sliding puzzles. I hate sliding puzzles.
Lokai
Its crazy these things keep appearing in more and more games, and even my mmos now. First with the secret world, and now with GW2! wwhhhhyyy!
Snowskeeper
Because this isn’t math. It’s shown inside the game. Seriously, people, read the first few comments. =P
jorge
!ODIO LOS PROBLEMAS DE MATEMÃTICAS¡
Rawr
Woot, proportions! The only type of math problem that I know!
Cheshire
Ooooh man.Gotta love Professor Layton~ >w< Lol,loving the comics.Thanks for updating! o7o Can't wait till le next,derp… ouo
Billy MT
Totally see what you did there XD
Can’t be bothered to solve a math problem in a videogame you want to progress at? Make a comic about it and let the fans do the job for you.
The first comments here just prove my point XDDDD
Snowskeeper
The first few comments also proved that it wasn’t actually a math problem. =P
UnlockDestiny
OMG I LOVE YOU! and i love games. and kitties. and my cat is black. and named Tifa. and I’m a girl.
*FANGIRLATTACK*
<3
Ciro
Must… Post… In… All… Comics… NOW!!!!
xPixel
>: I’m so terrible at the majority of Layton’s puzzles. TwT Most the time…they’re trying to trick you instead of using some actual logic. XD My mother plays the games as well and it’s pretty interesting to compare how differently we think to solve problems.
Ammy
I actually really love the math puzzles in Layton games (probably only because I’m a physicist, but still). Why think to get the answer when I could just use math and let it solve itself? :D
mountedcrew
…
nothing to do here…
emilio
i had the same problem with that “puzzle” lol
SIGxMUNDx808
Don’t mean to be “that guy” but this isn’t algebra, it’s geometry.
Nam-Ereh-Won