Contest details:Total Prizes: 100 Waves.
The contest involves one main puzzle and 2 bonus challenges relating to the following graph:
The graph comprises arrows which indicate possible paths from Alpha to Beta (of which there are many.)
The main puzzle (Prize 60 Waves):Given that YELLOW arrows allow travel at twice the speed of BLUE arrows, what are the odds (or what is the probability) that a randomly chosen path will be the fastest possible path from Alpha to Beta?
UPDATE: This has been solved belowBonus question 1 (Prize 20 Waves):There are two additional iQ Puzzles embedded within the graph. The answer to both of the additional puzzles is the letter 'X'. What are those two puzzles?
UPDATE: This has been half solved on Page 2UPDATE 2: The other half of this has been half solved on Page 4Bonus question 2 (Prize 20 Waves):In order to solve the main puzzle (i.e. this is a hint) you will need to calculate how many paths are possible from Alpha to Beta. This can be done by computer algorithm, a hand-calculation technique (i.e. you don't need to be a programmer to solve any part of this puzzle), or by mathematical formula.
The bonus question 2 prize will be awarded to the best mathematical formula that describes (in proper mathematical language/notation) how many paths are possible from Alpha to Beta.
UPDATE 2: No challenge to our best mathematical formula has been offered yet, so the current solution is looking good to win the 20 Waves for this prize.UPDATE 3: Contest complete. Total prizes of 105 $Waves awarded to winners.Provide your answer in a reply to this thread.
The contest will run for two weeks. At that end of that period, if still unsolved, the solution to the puzzle will be revealed and no further prizes will be awarded.
Significant contributions to a puzzle question that lead to the solution will be rewarded with a percentage of the prize for that question.
Winners will need to provide their Waves address to which payment of the prize will be made.