Three cooks have each paid one third to purchase a bag of herbs. In the past, two of the cooks have divided their purchases in the following manner: First one cook would divide the herb, by eye, into two piles she considered to be equal. The second cook would then choose the pile she thought was bigger.

By what process may the three cooks divide their herbs in such a way that each was content that she had recieved at least one third of the total? (No scales or other devices are available to assist the division)

The only criteria that I have is that I may not use any devices that may be used as measuring implements, and that the outcome must appear to be fair.

Allow A to divide the herb into 3 piles, size does not matter.

A takes her pile and makes three piles (mounded lines would assist).
B takes her pile and adds as evenly as she can to share to the three new piles.
C now does the same.

Since A is furthest from the final outcome, she gets first choice, followed by B and C picks up the last.

[Might I just use a containers for Health and Safety?]

Posted by brianjn on 2006-01-27 17:27:00