I must admit when I first learnt of this problem, I had a really hard time accepting that the solution was correct.
While I am not of the opinion that computer programs should be used (or even can be used) to solve mathematical problems, the exercise of writing this program provided a real penny drop moment that finally allowed me to ignore my instincts and trust the true solution.
I’ve posted up a c# solution if anyone is interested. If you don’t have the compiler installed, just open up the zip, navigate down to the MontyHallTest\bin\Release folder within it and run the MontyHallTest.exe program.
See, I still don’t understand the Monty Hall Problem because I work on the principle that if the host always knows where everything is, and always reveals a goat, and always offers the chance to switch, the 3rd door shouldn’t come into it. The game you really play is 2 doors, 1 car, 1 goat, 1 choice. I just can’t really understand why the 3rd door/2nd goat even plays any part, as the host _always_ picks a goat and _always_ gives the option to switch. Heh
but i fully understand that the 3rd door does come into it, because it broadens your chance to get it wrong on the initial pick, so improves your odds of winning if you then switch… i just thought i’d cast off to see if CT would bite again
It’s a good job I replied on google rather than on here!!!
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