Mr Spock is captured and put in an alien prison. There are exactly two exits from his cell, each guarded by an alien with a sword. One of the guards is instructed to kill Spock if he tries to leave through his exit; the other guard is instructed to let him go. One guard is instructed to tell only lies, while the other is to only tell the truth. Mr Spock is told he can ask exactly one question to one of the guards. Assuming Spock does not know which guard is which, what should this question be to ensure him safe passage out of the prison?

Question

Mr Spock is captured and put in an alien prison.  There are exactly two exits from his cell, each guarded by an alien with a sword.  One of the guards is instructed to kill Spock if he tries to leave through his exit; the other guard is instructed to let him go.  One guard is instructed to tell only lies, while the other is to only tell the truth.  Mr Spock is told he can ask exactly one question to one of the guards.  Assuming Spock does not know which guard is which, what should this question be to ensure him safe passage out of the prison?

anonymous · Answer

not exactly a maths problem but......

akshay_budhkar · Answer

but????? lol!

anonymous · Answer

He should ask "Would the other guard tell me that he will let me out?" Either way, the answer will be false.