Mathematics and Computer Science Speaker Series
California State University, Stanislaus
 
Date: Friday, October 12, 2012
Time:
4:00 - 5:00 p.m
Room: P-164

 
Speakers:  Kenneth Hoover

Title: 
Want Pancakes?

Abstract: There you are with two different kinds of pancakes and two children who both want some of each.  If experience has taught you anything, it’s that each child will know if the other person gets more than them of either type of pancake.  Thus, you must be sure to divide each pancake exactly in half.  The problem is that the pancakes are randomly shaped and your knife is only sharp enough to make a single straight cut across the plate.  Can you cut the two pancakes in half with one straight cut?  Only your knowledge of mathematics can save you now!  Come to room DBH 164 at 4:00pm tomorrow to find out how to navigate this unnerving situation.  PANCAKES WILL BE SERVED!