That’s a different problem, and a much harder one, although the specific apple tree case I’m surprised they didn’t figure out: “I don’t know, but I have a hunch it might be between 10 and 1000. ”
If I have the notation I can explain it to other somewhat rational people who also know that notation, and might be better at explaining things than me so that others can get the idea indirectly as well. If I don’t know the notation the idea is stuck in my head forever.
That’s a different problem, and a much harder one, although the specific apple tree case I’m surprised they didn’t figure out: “I don’t know, but I have a hunch it might be between 10 and 1000. ”
If I have the notation I can explain it to other somewhat rational people who also know that notation, and might be better at explaining things than me so that others can get the idea indirectly as well. If I don’t know the notation the idea is stuck in my head forever.