A mathematician, engineer, and statistician are interviewed for the same job.
Each of them is individually asked only one question.
The mathematician is interviewed first and is asked, “What is 2 + 2?” to which he answers, “A simple problem in which we must prove the identity of the addition operator. I can show you the proof; I'll start with L'Hospital's theorem. Can I borrow your chalk and blackboard?”
The engineer is second and is offered the same question. “Your problem provides only a single digit of significance; I'd have to say the answer is 4, plus or minus 1.”
The third applicant. “What's 2 + 2?” The statistician gets up from his chair, closes the window blinds, then closes the door, and slyly asks the interviewers, “What do YOU want the answer to be?”
A mathematician, engineer, and statistician are interviewed for the same job.
Each of them is individually asked only one question.
The mathematician is interviewed first and is asked, “What is 2 + 2?” to which he answers, “A simple problem in which we must prove the identity of the addition operator. I can show you the proof; I'll start with L'Hospital's theorem. Can I borrow your chalk and blackboard?”
The engineer is second and is offered the same question. “Your problem provides only a single digit of significance; I'd have to say the answer is 4, plus or minus 1.”
The third applicant. “What's 2 + 2?” The statistician gets up from his chair, closes the window blinds, then closes the door, and slyly asks the interviewers, “What do YOU want the answer to be?”