refactoring problem

Simplify:
(x - a) * (x - b) * (x - c) * ... * (x - z)

0?
because (x-x) is multiplied.

correct! Good spot; you got it, but you'd be surprised at the number of people who don't.
-Jeff-

thanks, now can i get a free copy of your book?

nice question! i almost prepare to solve it with brutal force, then i find out the trick.

hmm, copy of book... Sure, go to http://groups.yahoo.com/group/testDrivenJava and sign up, I'll approve you, and you can download the PDFs. You'll have to print 'em yourself though.

Let me know how many people you stump with the puzzle.
-Jeff-

Smart by name
smart by nature

Thank you very much, Jeff.
I will try the puzzle on as many people as I can. and I will keep you updated.
In fact, i was wondering if the presidential election should have something like this

Originally posted by Ken Smart:
Thank you very much, Jeff.
I will try the puzzle on as many people as I can. and I will keep you updated.
In fact, i was wondering if the presidential election should have something like this

Either that or pistols at ten paces...

just little out of track...
US current president would simplify to,
"this surely seems to be a formule that can be used to produce WMD and we are considering this with extreme delicacy"

Regards
Maulin