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Puzzle #05 Murphy’s law of socks

Work out the odds of a matching pair of socks surviving a sock-eating washing machine, set by Rob Eastaway. And test your science knowledge with our quick quiz

29 May 2019

#05 Murphy’s law of socks

I am convinced that my washing machine eats socks. Every time I wash a load, another sock disappears. Last week I ran out of socks so I bought myself three new pairs.

What is the chance that, after my first three washes, I will be left with three odd socks? Indeed, what is the chance I will even have one pair intact?

Answer next week

#04 Which door Solution

On a game show, Nico chose three doors out of five, hoping to pick the one hiding a prize. The host then opened three doors, including…

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