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I've a broken stick (Posted on 2003-12-07) Difficulty: 5 of 5
I've a straight stick which has been broken into three random-length pieces.
What is the probability that the pieces can be put together to form a triangle?
If you can answer this at this point, please do.
If not, perhaps this will help: here are several methods to break the stick into the three random length pieces:
  1. I select, independently, and at random, two points from the points that range uniformly along the stick, then break the stick at these two points.
  2. I select one point, independently, and at random (again uniformly), and break the stick at this point. I then randomly (with even chances) select one of the two sticks and randomly select a point (again uniformly) along that stick, and break it at that point.
  3. I select one point, independently, and at random (again uniformly), and break the stick at this point. I then select the larger stick, and randomly select a point (again uniformly) along that stick, and break it at that point.
If this clarifies the problem, please show how this affects your work.

No Solution Yet Submitted by SilverKnight    
Rating: 3.6000 (5 votes)

Comments: ( Back to comment list | You must be logged in to post comments.)
re: Lee | Comment 15 of 27 |
(In reply to by Lee)

[DELETED BY POSTER]

 

 

 

Edited on October 14, 2007, 11:15 am
  Posted by Penny on 2003-12-08 23:34:35

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