Earlier today I set you three examples of a word puzzle that illuminates one of the smash hits of theoretical computer science. (To read about this result, the PCP theorem, please check out the original post.)
In the puzzle, crossword-style clues each point to a vertical column. The answer to each clue is a three-letter word, made up from the three letters that the clue points to.
The point about these puzzles is that you can solve them fully, or partially. (As explained in the original post.) Below are the puzzles, and full solutions.
Problem 1
Solution
Problem 2
Solution
Problem 3
Solution
Today’s puzzles were adapted from the work of Dana Moshkovitz, professor of computer science at the University of Texas at Austin. You can read an article she wrote about the PCP theorem here.
I hope you enjoyed today’s puzzles. I’ll be back in two weeks.
I’ve been setting a puzzle here on alternate Mondays since 2015. I’m always on the look-out for great puzzles. If you would like to suggest one, email me.
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