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)

1 - A divides the herbs into 3 piles

2 - B and C decide which is bigger

3 - If they both disagree they take the pile they think is bigger - all content

4- if they both agree then recombine the piles and start from step 1 again until B and C disagree

This is a simple solution but unfortunately B and C may never disagree!!!

 

Posted by Lisa on 2006-02-07 09:40:34