wws@whuxlm.UUCP (Stoll W William) (04/27/85)
To restate the problem: x^x^x^... = 2 What is x? x is the square root of 2 -- The test answer key says to use substitution: x^(x^x^x^...) = 2 Substitute 2 for the expression in parentheses, x^2 = 2 This question appeared on the 1973 MAA test I think -- I didn't get it right (just a dumb 9th grader), but I always bring it up when conversation turns to puzzles. It's interesting that it reappeared in another form in 1984 (someone else pointed out). I was really glad to get the opportunity to take those tests and compete nationwide with my peers at something. Later I did it with the Putnam exam (and didn't do so well; I got a 16 out of 120 once). I even won some savings bonds in '75 and '76. Any other MAA braggarts out there? Bill Stoll, ..!whuxlm!wws