French Riddle of the Lily Pond: Understanding Exponential Growth
In this riddle, the lily pond has a potentially virulent lily that apparently will double in size each day. If the lily grows unchecked it will cover the entire pond in 30 days, choking off all other forms of life in the water by the time it covers the entire pond. If a skeptic waited until 50% of the pond was covered before taking any remedial action to save the pond, when would he act?
The answer: on the 29th day of the month! But by then, it would be too late.
[See also: World Pop. Balance: Understanding Exponential Growth: Bacteria in a Bottle:]
Compound Interest on Judas Iscariots' 30 Pieces of Silver
“Compound interest is the eighth wonder of the world.”
-- A member of the Rothschild family
|