Exercise 1 solution

Typical result: the overhand, once pulled tight (especially under a load), is hard to pick apart because the rope bends sharply inside it and squeezes itself. The figure-eight is bigger and usually loosens with a few pushes on the bulge.
The figure-eight bulge is the larger of the two.
Results vary with the cord; slippery synthetic cord may loosen either knot more easily than rough natural cord.