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One of the possible ways is like http://erikdemaine.org/papers/PictureHanging_FUN2012/ http://erikdemaine.org/papers/PictureHanging_FUN2012/ "We show how to ha
by kang 14y ago
One of the possible ways is like http://erikdemaine.org/papers/PictureHanging_FUN2012/ http://erikdemaine.org/papers/PictureHanging_FUN2012/
"We show how to hang a picture by wrapping rope around n nails, making a polynomial number of twists, such that the picture falls whenever any k out of the n nails get removed, and the picture remains hanging when fewer than k nails get removed"
- paulgb 14y agoThe two-nails problem is my favourite nerd-snipe. It can be explained to anyone without a math background, it can be solved on paper, it isn't a "trick" problem, and it isn't immediately easy. The problem: hang a painting with one unbroken piece of rope going from one corner of the painting to another around two nails such that if either nail is removed the painting will fall.