Mathematics and Statistics Colloquium

Calvin University

David Clark
Grand Valley State University

November 13, 2025
3:05pm   •   North Hall 276

I’m thinking of a number… with lies

I’m thinking of a number from 1 to 1,000,000. Can you guess it by asking yes-or-no questions? How many questions do you need? What if I lie in one of my answers – can you still figure out my number? We will answer all of these questions, and also see how guessing games with lies in them are secretly related to cell phones, flash drives, and satellite communications. Come prepared to guess!

(No special background is necessary.)