stupidest question you've ever answered

[science_man_88]

I think for now unless I think a ways back, my stupidest question I've answered is:

http://wiki.answers.com/Q/How_many_c...1PVVNBTlNXRVJT

How many cups is 3lbs?

my answer is kinda just as bad:

how many cups in 3 pounds makes about as much sense as how many kilograms in a litre of an unknown fluid, it all depends on density easiest in this case would be as lb/cup if a fluid is 1/3 lb per cup then 1/3 lb/cup*3 cup = 1 lb so it takes 3 cups /pound multiply by 3/3 ( which is a representation of 1) and we get 9 cups/3 lbs so it takes 9 cups to hold 3 lbs. IN THIS CASE, however the phrasing of the question is illogical at best.

[Flatlander]

The stupidest question I didn't answer was from a teacher. I said that I had filled my exercise book and needed a new one. He asked, "Why?"

My dad said that I should have said, "Because."

[schickel]

Originally Posted by science_man_88

I think for now unless I think a ways back, my stupidest question I've answered is:

http://wiki.answers.com/Q/How_many_c...1PVVNBTlNXRVJT



my answer is kinda just as bad:

Actually, not as stupid as it seems. There is a parallel measurement for liquids that is denominated in ounces.

I used to work for a baker who used formulas (recipes) that used weights for the liquids. To make a batch of bread, he used something like a 50 lb bag of flour and 24 lbs of water....

[science_man_88]

Originally Posted by schickel

Actually, not as stupid as it seems. There is a parallel measurement for liquids that is denominated in ounces.

I used to work for a baker who used formulas (recipes) that used weights for the liquids. To make a batch of bread, he used something like a 50 lb bag of flour and 24 lbs of water....

I get that weight and volume are converted through density but the reason it's stupid is it doesn't give a fluid , or a density to work off so unless you make a density up you can't answer it. 24 lb of water assuming a density of 1 oz./fl oz. = 16 fl oz./lb or (16 * 24) fl oz/24 lb. = about 48 cups or about 3 US gal. but without the density I couldn't logically come to a way to convert.

[jasonp]

Years ago, the process for getting hired for a government job required that you provide proof you had the college degree that you claimed you had. Surprisingly, that meant making a photocopy of your diploma. A University of Maryland diploma is around 2' x 3', so I was in the very weird position of dragging the thing into Kinko's to make a copy.

It's amazing how much of a conversation starter it is to walk into a Kinko's that's not near a college with a big sign on your head that says you've been to college. A random guy told me all about the community college classes he was taking, and about how hard things like algebra were. When asked, I told him mine was an electrical engineering degree, and then explained what electrical engineering was. He thought for a second, and asked:

'Do you have to know algebra to do electrical engineering?'

[Brian-E]

I have an unusual surname which many people spell wrong. My habit when identifying myself to people, and that of all my family members who share the name, is therefore to verbally spell our name and repeat the spelling until the person has finally written it down correctly. This almost always takes several attempts because its a letter combination which doesn't normally occur.

The silliest question on the subject any of us once had was actually asked of my father, not me. When he had finally got the correct spelling across he was then asked: "Are you sure?"

[davieddy]

Originally Posted by Brian-E

I have an unusual surname which many people spell wrong. My habit when identifying myself to people, and that of all my family members who share the name, is therefore to verbally spell our name and repeat the spelling until the person has finally written it down correctly. This almost always takes several attempts because its a letter combination which doesn't normally occur.

The silliest question on the subject any of us once had was actually asked of my father, not me. When he had finally got the correct spelling across he was then asked: "Are you sure?"

One (of the many) of my Dad's stories was being asked for his surname.
"Eddy".
"I asked for your last name" or "is that ie at the end?"

Of the numerous opportunities for humour in teaching/learning physics,
"Eddy currents" came a close second to "Kundt's tube".

Duane

[Flatlander]

Are you in the space-time continuum?

[Christenson]

Nope, just a figment of the internet ...

[chalsall]

I once had to prove that my father was born in Barbados. I was told to present my father's birth certificate.

My father couriered down the original, and I presented it to Immigration. I was told: "This is too old -- do you have something more recent?

True story.

[davieddy]

Originally Posted by Flatlander

Are you in the space-time continuum?

Not sure.
But one of my pub nicknames is "Satellite".

David