Interview Question for Quantitative Developer at Bank of America:

http://www.abc.net.au/science/surfingscientist/pdf/conundrum9.pdf

http://www.ronbarnette.com/Zeno/result7.html

The key is understanding that you will have to use the two hourglasses together. Since this problem could be asked in many ways using different values for the hourglasses and the total amount of time, it's more important to understand how you use the tools rather than memorize a specific example. The question is used to determine those who can apply their knowledge to solve problems vs. those who memorize answers "from the book".

Start both timers. After four minutes, the four-minute timer will have expired and the seven-minute timer will have three minutes remaining. Flip the four minute timer over. After seven minutes, the seven-minute timer will have expired and the four-minute timer will still have one minute left. Flip the seven-minute timer over. After eight minutes, the four-minute timer will have expired for the second time. The seven-minute timer will have accumulated one minute after it's last flip. Flip over the seven-minute timer and when it expires nine minutes will have elapsed.

For extra measure, you can always throw in something like, "assuming the timers can be flipped over nearly instantly..."

I think you made this much more complicated then it needed to be. Just flip the 7 minute hour glass, when it is done, flip the 4 minute, when you see the four minute is half way done you have 9 minutes, 7 + 2 = 9. Much easier yes?!

Start both timers together.
When the 4 minute timer is done, flip it. 7 minute timer will have 3 minutes left.
When the 7 minute timer is done, the 4 minute timer will have 1 minute left.
Now you can count to 9 minutes by simply leaving the 4 minute to expire (1 min), flip it and let it expire (4 min), flip it again and let it expire (4 min). 1 + 4 + 4 = 9

By trying unsuccessfully to show how smart he is, T$ flunked the interview question. The task is to measure nine minutes, not to guess.

ultraman: all measurement systems and techniques are have an inherent accuracy and precision (or repeatability and reproduceability), so the important thing is to understand the level of accuracy and precision required, and know which technique will meet the level required.

The most important thing in business is not running off to do the task you've been asked with a tool you have handy, but understanding the reason for completing the task, and knowing how the output from your work will be used by others, and how the accuracy and precision will impact of others down the value chain.

Dodging the question never works, rd. Tim is correct.

http://brainteaserbible.com/interview-brainteaser-hourglass-puzzle

Actually, I agree with #T$. Ultraman and d-bag, the goal is to get the job done the most efficient and accurate way. The original question says it has to get done within 9 minutes as well. So you turn the 7 min timer over. While the seven minute timer is going, you take a measurement of the length of the 4 min timer, with the width of your thumb. Whatever number of thumb widths it is, divide it by 2 and that will (very accurately) give you the half way point on the hourglass which will equal to 2 minutes. Once the seven minute hourglass is done, flip the 4 minute timer. Once the 4 minute timer hits the halfway point you marked, you accurately measured 9 minutes.