Back to Search Start Over

The Two Envelope Problem: There Is No Conundrum

Authors :
Mitchell, S. L.
O'Brien, S. B. G.
Source :
Teaching Mathematics and Its Applications. Dec 2014 33(4):249-262.
Publication Year :
2014

Abstract

We consider the famous two envelope conundrum and show, in a very simple way, that there is no conundrum. Our discussion is supported by numerical simulations. We use the problem to raise the issue of disputes in mathematics, rarely touched upon in mathematics education. We suggest that it is worthwhile to expose students of mathematics to such controversies and that this problem can be introduced in the classroom via an experimental demonstration.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
0268-3679
Volume :
33
Issue :
4
Database :
ERIC
Journal :
Teaching Mathematics and Its Applications
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
EJ1047503
Document Type :
Journal Articles<br />Reports - Descriptive
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1093/teamat/hru019