this post was submitted on 25 Dec 2025
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Post:

You have three switches in one room and a single light bulb in another room. You are allowed to visit the room with the light bulb only once. How do you figure out which switch controls the bulb? Write your answer in the comments before looking at other answers.


Comment:

If this were an interview question, the correct response would be "Do you have any relevant questions for me? Because have a long list of things that more deserving of my precious time than to think about this!

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[–] NaibofTabr@infosec.pub 22 points 2 weeks ago* (last edited 2 weeks ago)

~~Based on the provided information, there are some switches of unspecified type in one room and a light bulb of unspecified type in another room. There is no power source, nor do we know if there is even wiring between the switches and the bulb. For all we know, the switches and the bulb are still in their product packaging waiting to be installed by an electrician.~~

~~The bulb is not controlled by any of the switches in any meaningful manner.~~

~~Also, per the problem specification, I am allowed to visit the room with the light bulb only once. I am not allowed to visit the room with the switches, or operate the switches.~~

~~The comment in the original image is the most rational possible answer to such an exercise. Poorly stated problems are a waste of time.~~

*Edit: You know what, scratch all that, none of it really matters.

I'm not messing with an unknown electrical circuit without seeing the circuit diagram and verifying any relevant lockout/tagout. People die from that shit.