Ernesto Arias / Gerhard Fischer Fall 97, Information
Society Course
Assignment 4
due: September 29nd in class
Read Chapter 7 in the book by Simon!
Summarize (on half a page or less) what you consider the most
important issues discussed in the chapter
Try to solve the following problem:
Given:
- an object with the structure of an 8x8 matrix and an arbitrary
number of domino blocks. A domino block covers exactly two squares
on the matrix. It is obvious that we can cover the whole object
with domino blocks.
- we mutilate the object by cutting out two squares at opposing
corners
- Question: can the mutilated figure still be covered completely
with the domino blocks?
Important:
- If you have seen the problem before and know the answer, let
us know whether you found the answer yourself and how.
- Do not take the fun away from the other people -- let them
try to solve the problem themselves!
- You will not be graded whether you are successful to
solve the problem or not!
- Try to write down a "Think aloud Protocol" of your
solution efforts -- try to document it as careful as possible!
Read Chapter 8 in the book by Simon!
- Summarize (on half a page or less) what you consider the most
important issues discussed in the chapter
Simon in Chapter 8 argues that "There is no conservation
law of complexity"
- Is he right or wrong?
- Can you describe a number of convincing techniques of Computer
Science, of (Architectural) Design, of your own field which have
tried to break the "conservation law of complexity"?