Problem Definition
Coins
Situation:
Imagine, we are sitting together at a perfectly round table. We both have an infinite pile of quarters. These are the rules of the game: “We'll take turns putting one quarter down on the table, no overlapping allowed, and the quarters must rest flat on the table surface. The first guy who can't put a quarter down loses."
Question:
Who should start in order to win, why and how does your strategy work?
Marbles
Situation:
There are 8 marbles that weigh 1 ounce each, and 1 marble that weighs 1.1 ounces. The marbles are all uniform in size, appearance, and shape. You have a balance that contains 2 trays. You are only able to use the scale 2 times.
Question:
How do you determine which marble is the heaviest using only the scale and marbles in 2 weighings.