Do you tend to find answers easier when you are focused or unfocused on the prob

1. 71

   Ciel Clarkposted 12 years ago

   Do you tend to find answers easier when you are focused or unfocused on the problem/question?
   
   By moving one line to make the equation true, which of these puzzles does your brain solve faster?
   IV = III + III   
   
   or
   
   III = III + III
   (Please say if you are right or left-handed!  Thanks)

   replyreport
2. 60

   Dr. Haddoxposted 12 years ago

   There is a time to focus, and there is a time to avoid focusing. When one is writing, one tends to focus, because writing well requires focus. However, there are times when one is simply "thinking." Thinking is a process where one relaxes, doing nothing, and taking the time to reflect and "think" about "Life," or issues that involve "Life." That is, if one is thinking about an issue, or a problem, or other situation that requires an answer, one may find that an answer will come to him or her when they are not focusing, intently, on the problem. Great inventors, for example, have discovered answers to serious problems, or should I say, "important problems," while they were sleeping. I have solved medical cases, or found a diagnosis to a medical problem, while I was sleeping. While I was asleep, my brain continued to work on solving the problem, without be being aware of it. I went to sleep with a patient's case on my mind and my brain solved the problem. No focus was required to find the answer.
   This is not to say that a focused person cannot solve problems equally well. It is interesting that this can probably work both ways, depending upon the problem solver, or the learning style or working style of the person
   Very good question.
   Thank you for asking.
   Regards,
   Dr. Haddox
   Concerning your exercise, above, on moving one line to make the equation true, my brain solved the equation: IV=III the fastest. I am left-handed.

   replyreport
   1. 71

      Ciel Clarkposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Dr. Haddox, great answer.  I asked my mother this yesterday and she found first one fast but couldn't think for second one.  I said sleep on it. (She is right-handed).  You are first leftie I've heard from who solved first one quicker.

      replyreport
3. 81

   sriparnaposted 12 years ago

   I could solve the first one pretty fast and still cannot think of a solution to the second one, I am right handed.
   Focusing is important for me, I cannot solve problems without focusing on the problem and I usually go logically step-by-step when it's a multiple step problem. But if the problem is tough and I am stuck with it for a long time, I would defocus, detach from the problem and start afresh after a reasonable break, that helps me to think from other angles as well.

   replyreport
   1. 71

      Ciel Clarkposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      That is very similar to my husband's response (he is right-handed) and very step by step.  He saw the answer for the first one in a few seconds, but did not get the second one.

      replyreport
4. 71

   DON BALDERASposted 12 years ago

   Of course, it will be very much helpful if I focus on the problem or question than when not in focus. The flow of thoughts and ideas will be more spontaneous and responsive. But what makes the answers funny is when I am not focused and find any idea or thought to express. Definitely, good ideas come when focus is directed towards the problem or question.

   replyreport
   1. 71

      Ciel Clarkposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      I am so interested in brain function, and where ideas come from and why people think differently.  Look at the two false equations I put above and see if you can Move One Line to make each equation true.  Is one easier for you to figure out?

      replyreport
5. 34

   edhanposted 12 years ago

   I am right handed.
   
   I believe in focusing what I am solving will give a faster solution. Yes. IV = III + III

   replyreport
   1. 71

      Ciel Clarkposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Thank you edhan!

      replyreport
6. 0

   Garifaliaposted 12 years ago

   OK, I hope in the end I won't be disappointed (and that you will reply). Firstly, I'm right handed and this my brain saw as easier to view III = III + III, but aren't they both wrong?
   
   Now to answer your question, it's when I'm focused.

   replyreport
   1. 71

      Ciel Clarkposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      IV = III + III
      
      Both equations are wrong, but can both be made true by moving one line. 
      
      III = III + III
      
      (Most people I've asked have found one much easier than the other).  I can guess which one will be easier for you, but let me know!

      replyreport
   2. 0

      Garifaliaposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      I had answered under one of the other responses. But I don't see it now. Anyway, IV = III + III BECOMES VI = III + III.
      Can't figure out the other one.

      replyreport
7. 61

   Opulent1posted 12 years ago

   I find the answers easier when I just allow myself to focus on the answer. By focusing on the problem/question, it seems to block whatever solutions/answers I need.

   replyreport