The question of how to fairly divide resources attracts game theorists, computer scientists, economists, legal experts and more.
In this ancient story, Prometheus infuses the classic I-cut-you-choose strategy — the simplest version of cake cutting — with deception. But when I-cut-you-choose is executed in pursuit of fairness, it should guarantee the satisfaction of everyone involved.
A maraschino cherry–lover might choose the smallest slice and feel satisfied if they get the cake’s only cherry. In this case, what mathematicians call the “serendipity of disagreement” gives rise to rich math. The most interesting math arises when there are differing opinions. Steinhaus’ method worked for only three eaters, but in the same paper, he reported that two colleagues had developed an algorithm that could achieve proportionality for any number of cake eaters. The method is known as the last-diminisher method, and it goes like this: One person cuts off a piece of cake they deem to represent a fair share and passes that piece along to the next person. Each remaining player has a chance to either trim the cake or pass .
There is another practical limitation to the last-diminisher method: With enough players, the cake that remains in later rounds might end up broken apart by a lot of slicing — or even reduced to crumbs. It’s easy to see how a partygoer might not value that as highly as a whole piece.Since the debut of the last-diminisher method, cake cutting has fueled a small but mighty body of serious mathematics.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Inter Miami takes home draw streak into matchup with Sporting Kansas CityInter Miami takes on Sporting Kansas City after playing to a draw in three home games in a row.
Read more »
Yukon Quest Alaska to hold 300-mile sled dog race as rift with Canada continuesThe traditional 1,000-mile Yukon Quest International Sled Dog Race between Fairbanks and Whitehorse has not been held since 2020.
Read more »
My quest for the perfect productivity mouseThe humble PC mouse is underestimated. We tested some of the best on the market to see which can serve as a reliable daily driver.
Read more »
Starfield: How to Complete Background ChecksThe Background Checks quest in Starfield involves a lot of stealth and some tricky area to navigate, and this guide will detail how to complete this quest.
Read more »
Make This Swap At Breakfast To Fight Inflammation, New Study SaysThe quest for healthy breakfast recipes seems neverending.
Read more »
MLB places Dodgers’ Julio Urías on administrative leave ‘until further notice’Urías, 27, was arrested Sunday night after leaving the MLS game between LAFC and Inter Miami CF at BMO Stadium and was booked for felony domestic violence. He will continue to draw his salary.
Read more »