Variants: 1. Assume that "cut" means transecting exactly one segment. 2. Assume that "cut" means transecting an arbitrary number of segments along one line. 3. What if the ring can be folded?
Show this thread
This is a plastic six pack ring. I don't want any animals getting stuck, so I always cut mine such that there are no more loops. However, I am also lazy. How can I minimize the number of cuts required?pic.twitter.com/fA3w7Mv8Y9
-
-
-
I'm pretty sure variant 1 is trivial: each cut can, at best, reduce the number of loops by one, so the number of necessary cuts is equal to the number of loops: 14. Variant 3 is also probably trivial; I assume there's a way to fold the ring such that all loops overlap, so 1 cut.
Show this thread -
As for variant 2, I have no idea! Practically speaking, though, I don't have a pair of scissors that can transect the entire ring. So the most useful solution would involve a fold (or two).
Show this thread -
Actually I guess variant 2 is also trivial. 3 cuts is obviously sufficient, but 2 cuts is not.
Show this thread
End of conversation
New conversation -
-
-
Fold it into a single stack of 6 rings on top of each other and cut a half moon out of the lot
-
A clever approach. For the rest of this interview we'll discuss whether it solves the problem, implied trade-offs, and possible improvements.
End of conversation
New conversation -
-
-
One cut; fold in thirds, then bilaterally.
Thanks. Twitter will use this to make your timeline better. UndoUndo
-
-
-
Fire.
Thanks. Twitter will use this to make your timeline better. UndoUndo
-
Loading seems to be taking a while.
Twitter may be over capacity or experiencing a momentary hiccup. Try again or visit Twitter Status for more information.