We don’t have to consider more than 1 pair of numbers.
You have no reasonable objection to doing that.
If you do that, it is a simplification and/or an incomplete description of the TEP because for any finite value of X, either (X, 2X) or (X, 1/2X) are in the two envelopes.
For example, if we consider the pair (10, 20), it is also possible (5, 10) are in the two envelopes.
So, both (10, 20) and (5, 10) must be considered in a complete description of the TEP.
Choosing different descriptions for two unknown but fixed amounts is of no relevance for any calculation. But you do as if it makes a difference.
kkwan - 04 November 2012 09:57 PM
Your argument is flawed because it is based on the premise that the total amount has changed which is not so.
<snip>
Hence, either 3X or 3/X are the total amounts in the two envelopes.
This is a contradiction kkwan: you use 3X when you choose the envelope with smallest amount first, and you use (3/2)X when you pick the envelope with the biggest amount first. For the same X these are different amounts.
Again: show me where you use that the total amount does not change. You haven’t done that yet.
Choosing different descriptions for two unknown but fixed amounts is of no relevance for any calculation. But you do as if it makes a difference.
kkwan - 04 November 2012 09:57 PM
Your argument is flawed because it is based on the premise that the total amount has changed which is not so.
<snip>
Hence, either 3X or 3/X are the total amounts in the two envelopes.
This is a contradiction kkwan: you use 3X when you choose the envelope with smallest amount first, and you use (3/2)X when you pick the envelope with the biggest amount first. For the same X these are different amounts.
Again: show me where you use that the total amount does not change. You haven’t done that yet.
Kkwan only needs to say that he is comparing two different situations that he might be in, which he has agreed to many times.
In reality, of course the ‘two situations’ are just one, only with different descriptions.
In reality Kkwan is comparing two different situations. $5 and $10, $10 and $20, for instance.
He insists there is a need to do that and we agree there is no need .
But he can do that and the amounts don’t change half way through when he does it because he’s comparing what would be the case if he were in the two different situations in the first place.
In reality Kkwan is comparing two different situations. $5 and $10, $10 and $20, for instance.
He insists there is a need to do that and we agree there is no need .
There is not ‘no need’, it is just wrong.
Imagine we have two amounts, $5 and $10. (Total $15). Imagine I pick $10 first. Oh, but then I look at $10 and $20. (Total $30). Sorry, this is wrong as wrong can be. Depending on what is picked first, the amounts change.
Correct is: if I have $5 and $10 and I pick $5 then the other amount is $10. And if I pick the $10, then the other is $5. That is the fact kwann wipes under the carpet.
StephenLawrence - 05 November 2012 12:26 AM
But he can do that and the amounts don’t change half way through when he does it because he’s comparing what would be the case if he were in the two different situations in the first place.
One must compare the situations separately, as I did here.
