Cutting a stick A stick n inches long needs to be cut into n 1-inch pieces. Outline an algorithm that performs this task with the minimum number of cuts if several pieces of the stick can be cut at the same time. Also give a formula for the minimum number of cuts.

Question

Computers and Technology

Dorian Howard

13 February, 04:31

Cutting a stick A stick n inches long needs to be cut into n 1-inch pieces. Outline an algorithm that performs this task with the minimum number of cuts if several pieces of the stick can be cut at the same time. Also give a formula for the minimum number of cuts.

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Answers (1)

Know the Answer?

Rene Howell · Answer 1

The algorithm and its formula are given below

Explanation:

Algorithm:

Start

Input Length of stick in inches

while (1) do / / Loop runs until break statement execute

if (inchesOfStick = = 1) do / / If there is 1 inch stick

break / / exit from loop

end if

if (inchesOfStick % 2 = = 0) do / / if the inches remaining is even

inchesOfStick / = 2 / / Forula to cut

end if

else if (inchesOfStick % 2 = = 1) do / / if the inches remaining is odd

inchesOfStick = (inchesOfStick + 1) / 2 / / Formula to cut

increment minimumCuts

end else

end while

print minimum number of cuts

end program