MATH STINGER #24 
by Dr. Joel C. Fowler 
Assistant Professor of Mathematics 

Suppose that a surgeon wears gloves every time he operates to protect himself and his patients. 
When a pair is worn the surfaces that were in contact with the patient are contaminated while the 
surfaces against the surgeon's hands are still usable. Is it possible for the surgeon to operate on 3 
people if he only has two pair of gloves? If so, how? If not, why not? A second question is to 
determine the maximum number of people that can be operated on with 5 pairs of gloves. 
Your solution to this puzzle should include not only how many, but also why that is the most and 
how the operations should be carried out.

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