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What is the maximum number of pieces of pie you can have from slicing a pie 100 times? (The minimum is 101 pieces).
Based on a simple guess, I am going to say 396 pieces. This is based on the first cut being to slice the top and bottom of the pie in half, and then proceed in cutting normal halves with the remaining 99 slices.
You could slice the pie horizontally 50 times, and then vertically 50 times (placing most near the middle such that all slices intersect) creating a grid-like design. Even then, you would get 2601 slices, right?
1 slice placed horizontally and vertically would get you 4 slices.
2 slices placed horizontally and vertically would get you 9 slices.
3 slices would get 16. The pattern is squares.
So the formula is (n + 1)^2.
Hence, for 50 horizontal and vertical slices, you would get 51^2 or 2601 slices.
The actual number is higher than this, however. Try again! :D
If the world should blow itself up,the last audible voice would be an expert saying it can't be done
This post was edited by Hawkeye on Mar 16, 2006.
Wow I must be really a girl then. I have been trying to understand your reasoning for a while now, but I just don't get it. My math skills (and I did have them once) are definitely going down the drain. But I just cannot picture what you're saying Hawkeye.
However, when you say that 2 slices placed horizontally and vertically give you 9 slices... then do you have a predefinite position for the slices? Because I can think of a way you could have more than 9 slices in that way (of course, if my reasoning is right).
Un bacio è un'apostrofo rosa scritto tra le parole "ti amo".
I believe that the answer in infinite.
If one where to make a spiral cut from the inside out. (This would work on a square pie as well.) Then 49 oscillating cuts across and 50 oscillating cuts down. I would then require the knowledge of the radius of the pie and the exact distance between you cuts. Also you will need to know the exact thickness of your cutting tool.
Awww, forget it just use a lazar and make each cut a molecules in width. How many molecules makeup the service of the pie? That is your answer, assuming you didn’t burn any with the lazar.
Suggestion:
Maybe you should ban the use of curves. Because me and my lasers have all the fun. : )
Thanks, ~ The Penguin Stalker ~ Im a pogramar... Iam a programer... I'm a programor...I write code.