"Things You Wouldn't Know If We Didn't Blog Intermittently."
09 March 2011
A mathematical CAPTCHA
Geekosystem found the captcha above at the signup page for Quantum Random Bit Generator Service. When I double-checked the source, I found that not all of the questions are as easy as the one above. To wit...
I don't see how this improves the function of capchas, given that math is the one thing computers really rock at. Capchas take advantage of our superior language recognition skills.
Still, it makes for an amusing break from the usual jumble of random letters.
I'm guessing that the real test is not solving the math problem, but being able to identify the numbers and letters-- not to mention make sense of the notation-- so you know what to enter into your calculator.
Neither of those questions are easy for me ... then again I don't think I'll end up on Quantum Random Bit Generator Service page! Great find.
ReplyDeleteIt's not really a question to determine if you are human, but whether or not you've taken a year of Calculus or not.
ReplyDeleteActually, the trig derivate question is easier than the one I just got when I pulled up the website.
Find the first real zero of
p(x) = x^3 - 7x^2 + 2x + 40
I just showed it my coworker and we're both like, screw it that's too much work, let the computer solve it !
I don't see how this improves the function of capchas, given that math is the one thing computers really rock at. Capchas take advantage of our superior language recognition skills.
ReplyDeleteStill, it makes for an amusing break from the usual jumble of random letters.
I'm guessing that the real test is not solving the math problem, but being able to identify the numbers and letters-- not to mention make sense of the notation-- so you know what to enter into your calculator.
ReplyDeleteReykjavik!
ReplyDeleteThe Beatles!
What is milk chocolate?
The answer is 1.
ReplyDeleteWell, probably not, but close enough for me.
weird. i know two people who work at that institute...
ReplyDeleteI believe the answer to the second is 12. There's an error in notation though, it should not be a partial derivative since "x" is the only argument.
ReplyDeleteFirst solution: 15
ReplyDeleteSecond solution: 12
Too easy. but fantastic captcha