What Do You Know About Moser's Worm Problem?
Interestingly, this is one of the few problems in geometry that do not have any defined solution. It was invented in 1999 by a phenomenal mathematician and many variations of the problem have emerged since then. Do you think you have what it takes to solve this problem? Take this quiz to ready yourself first.
- 1.
Which mathematician formulated Moser’s worm problem?
- A.
Adam Logan
- B.
Newt Moser
- C.
Leo Moser
- D.
Jones Moser
Correct Answer
C. Leo MoserExplanation
Leo Moser is the correct answer because he was the mathematician who formulated Moser's worm problem.Rate this question:
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- 2.
In which year was it formulated?
- A.
1965
- B.
1966
- C.
1967
- D.
1968
- E.
1969
Correct Answer
B. 1966Explanation
The correct answer is 1966. This means that the formulation being referred to was created in the year 1966.Rate this question:
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- 3.
Which group of scientists showed that no finite bound on the number of segments in a polychain would suffice in a solution?
- A.
Panraksa, Wetzel, Wichiramala
- B.
Gerriets, Poole, Wetzel
- C.
Leo Moser, Wichiramala, Panraksa
- D.
Blaschke, Panraksa, Wetzel
Correct Answer
A. Panraksa, Wetzel, WichiramalaExplanation
Panraksa, Wetzel, and Wichiramala are the group of scientists who showed that no finite bound on the number of segments in a polychain would suffice in a solution. The other options do not include all three of these scientists, so they are not the correct answer.Rate this question:
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- 4.
In the convex case, from whose selection theorem is the existence of a solution acquired?
- A.
Pythagoras
- B.
Avogadro
- C.
Blaschke
- D.
Venn
Correct Answer
C. BlaschkeExplanation
Blaschke's selection theorem is used to prove the existence of a solution in the convex case. This theorem states that for any sequence of convex sets in a compact metric space, if the diameter of the sets tends to zero, then there exists a point that belongs to all the sets. Therefore, Blaschke's theorem is the appropriate theorem to establish the existence of a solution in the convex case.Rate this question:
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- 5.
What does Moser problem relate to?
- A.
The problem asks for the region of smallest area that can accommodate every plane curve of length.
- B.
It asks whether every problem whose solution can be quickly verified (technically, verified in polynomial time) can also be solved quickly (again, in polynomial time).
- C.
Providing grids, group theory that is used to describe ideas of when two grids are equivalent, and computational complexity with regards to solving problems.
- D.
A mathematical problem that involves a hexagonal lattice.
Correct Answer
A. The problem asks for the region of smallest area that can accommodate every plane curve of length.Explanation
The Moser problem relates to finding the region of smallest area that can accommodate every plane curve of length. This means that no matter what shape or length the curve is, it can fit within this region. The problem is asking whether every problem that can be quickly verified can also be solved quickly. This relates to computational complexity and the ability to solve problems efficiently. The answer provided is a concise summary of the problem statement.Rate this question:
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- 6.
Which part of mathematics does it deal with?
- A.
Logic
- B.
Mathematical physics
- C.
Calculus and analysis
- D.
Geometry and topology
- E.
Dynamical systems and differential equations
Correct Answer
D. Geometry and topologyExplanation
Geometry and topology deal with the study of shapes, sizes, and properties of objects. They both involve the study of space and how objects are related to each other. Geometry focuses on the properties of specific shapes and figures, while topology studies the properties of spaces that are preserved under continuous transformations. Both fields are important in various areas of mathematics, including physics, engineering, and computer science.Rate this question:
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- 7.
What does the term accommodate mean in Moser’s worm problem?
- A.
It means that the curve may be rotated and translated to fit inside the region.
- B.
The existence of a solution follows from the Blaschke selection theorem.
- C.
It is not trivial to determine whether a given shape forms a solution.
- D.
It is not completely trivial that a solution exists.
Correct Answer
A. It means that the curve may be rotated and translated to fit inside the region.Explanation
The term "accommodate" in Moser's worm problem refers to the ability to rotate and translate the curve in order to fit it inside the given region. This implies that the curve can be adjusted in position and orientation to satisfy the problem's requirements.Rate this question:
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- 8.
What is the region of the smallest area which will cover every planar arc of length 1?
- A.
This means that any solution region must have area at least (0.43893)/2 _> 0.21946.
- B.
The area of a solution region to the problem lies between 0.21946 and 0.27524.
- C.
The problem asks for the region of smallest area that can accommodate every plane curve of length 1.
- D.
It is easy to show that the circular disk with diameter 1 will cover every planar arc of length 1. The area of the disk is approximately 0.78539.
Correct Answer
D. It is easy to show that the circular disk with diameter 1 will cover every planar arc of length 1. The area of the disk is approximately 0.78539.Explanation
The question asks for the region of smallest area that can cover every planar arc of length 1. The explanation states that it is easy to show that the circular disk with a diameter of 1 will cover every planar arc of length 1. The area of the disk is approximately 0.78539. Therefore, the circular disk with a diameter of 1 is the region of smallest area that can accommodate every plane curve of length 1.Rate this question:
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- 9.
Which of the following shapes gives the optimal solution with larger areas?
- A.
Rectangles
- B.
Squares
- C.
Rhombi
- D.
Circles
Correct Answer
A. RectanglesExplanation
Rectangles give the optimal solution with larger areas compared to squares, rhombi, and circles. Rectangles have four sides with opposite sides equal in length, allowing for more flexibility in adjusting the dimensions to maximize the area. Squares have equal sides, limiting the potential for increasing the area. Rhombi have equal sides but their angles are not right angles, further limiting the area. Circles have a fixed area formula based on the radius, making it difficult to increase the area beyond a certain point. Therefore, rectangles offer the best solution for achieving larger areas.Rate this question:
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- 10.
What is the minimum area of a shape that can cover every unit-length curve?
- A.
Using a min-max strategy for area of a convex set containing a segment, a triangle and a rectangle to show a lower bound of 0.232239 for a convex cover
- B.
A possible solution has the shape of a rhombus with vertex angles of 60 and 120 degrees (π/3 and 2π/3 radians) and with a long diagonal of unit length
- C.
The problem asks for the region of smallest area that can accommodate every plane curve of length 1
- D.
The problem asks for the region of highest area that can accommodate every plane curve of length 1
Correct Answer
A. Using a min-max strategy for area of a convex set containing a segment, a triangle and a rectangle to show a lower bound of 0.232239 for a convex coverExplanation
The given answer explains that the minimum area of a shape that can cover every unit-length curve is 0.232239. This is achieved by using a min-max strategy for the area of a convex set containing a segment, a triangle, and a rectangle. The answer suggests that a possible solution is a rhombus with vertex angles of 60 and 120 degrees, and a long diagonal of unit length. This solution provides a lower bound for the convex cover, ensuring that it can accommodate every plane curve of length 1.Rate this question:
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Mar 21, 2023Quiz Edited by
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May 12, 2018Quiz Created by
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