A strange problem was given to a group
of 10 scientists in a research institute; an earth-shaking solution
means $$$. It goes this way:
Input: hypothetical points d_s and d_t
Output: set L of functions such that
d_s is connected to d_t.
Task: come up with a set of function(s) L
to solve the problem
scientist 1: It's simple; on a
Cartesian coordinate system, construct a line between d_s and d_t. That should have solved the problem. I'd rather not waste a lot of
time on this ambiguous problem.
scientist 2: I would rather have the 3D
version of your solution, Dr. 1. That's going to be another
publication for me.
scientist 3: I'll do it in 4D, 5D, til
nD. Case closed.
scientist 4: The problem is too simple,
but since there's no specific coordinate system, it would be
interesting if I have it this way: hypothetical point d_s is in the
Cartesian coordinate system while a hypothetical point d_t is in the
polar coordinate system. Then, somewhere in the middle should be a
sort of warping region to connect the two coordinate systems. So my
solution will be an equation expressed in a new universal coordinate
system that unifies all coordinate systems. This coordinate system
of mine will soon appear in a high-impact journal.
scientist 5: Hmm, you're idea is
interesting, Dr. 4, but I would rather set up a wormhole between the
two coordinate systems. Then, I'll conduct experiments on that
wormhole. I'll aim for the Noble prize and other prestigious awards.
scientist 6: O come on, a black hole
solves the problem through some form of magnetic force.
scientist 7: All of you gave boring
solutions. The two points can be connected with the most complex
fractal known to man. Conduct a simulation in a high performance
computing platform; modify the visualization by coloring the
different segments. From there you'll see the wonders of science
just from the two points.
scientist 8: Guys, the answer is
infinity; and 1,000 years from now, the paper that I will write will
be recognized by the whole world for its significance.
scientist 9: I would rather find a way
to reach the aliens so that I can hand in the problem for them to
solve.
scientist 10: Brilliant idea Dr. 9!
That would be interesting enough to attract some collaborators.
scientist 9: Hmm, Dr. 10., I am
thinking of the ghostbusters and the avengers for that matter.
