MathDB
apples

Source: Ukraine 1997 grade 9

July 18, 2009
combinatorics unsolvedcombinatorics

Problem Statement

There are four apples on a plate, of weights 600,400,300, 600,400,300, and 250 250 grammes. Two pupils take an apple each (one by one) and start eating simultaneously. A pupil can take another apple only after he has eaten the previous apple. It is assumed that they equaly fast (measured in grammes per second). How should the first pupil do in order to eat as large amount as possible?