Puzzle of the Week #1

by Nolan Musslewhite '20

     Each issue of Exchanged this year will include a puzzle, covering any topic or problem type. The answer and explanation to each puzzle will be released in the following week’s issue, along with the names of those who have successfully solved it. Please send answers to the author of the puzzle.

     This week’s puzzle: Logic/Mathematics by Nolan (nmusslewhite@stalbansschool.org)

     A contestant, Jim, is participating in a game show where he selects one of three unmarked doors—Door A, B, or C. Behind one of the doors is $10,000.

Jim selects Door A. After Jim’s selection, the game show host walks over and opens Door C, revealing there to be nothing behind it (Doors A and B remain closed).

The game show host now presents Jim with a choice; he can either keep his original choice (Door A) or switch to Door B. Should Jim stay with Door A, switch to Door B, or does it not matter, and why?