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Infinite Train Problem
Imagine a looped railroad. There we have a train, the last wagon of which is fastened to the first, so inside we can move freely between them. We are in a random wagon and our task is to count the total number of wagons. The trick is such that we can turn on or off the light in each wagon, but the initial position of the switches is random and we do not know it.
All the wagons inside look strictly the same, the windows are closed so it is impossible to see outside, and the movement of the train is uniform. We can’t mark the wagons in some different way, only activating or deactivating the light. The number of wagons is finite (don’t believe the title).
Here is one possible solution. We need to turn on the light in the initial wagon in which we are standing, if it is not yet lit. Then, we go in any direction until we encounter a wagon with working light, thus it is necessary to count the wagons. Turn off the light there and go back to the start. If the light is still lit, repeat the operation. If not, then we have gone full circle and know the answer.
With the same success it is possible, for example, to walk on the sides of the primary wagon at equal distances, gradually increasing them, and invert the light inside of them. That is, if we assume that first we are in the wagon with the number 0, then it is necessary to go in -1, 1, -2, 2, -3, 3, and so on. If we remember the state of the far wagon, when re-passing through it, we will notice a changed light if the circle closes. And knowing the length of the path in both directions, we can easily calculate the total number of wagons.
Thanks for your attention!