Question 1
When
Class 5B filed into their classroom on the day before the Easter break,
they could see they were in for a surprize.
Their teacher, Ms Esther Bunny, had placed five plates
at each table, and there were mini-Easter eggs on each plate.
“Let me explain before you start fighting about which
place to choose!” said Ms Bunny.
“When I say “Go”, everyone gives half their Easter eggs to the
person on their right. If someone has an odd number of eggs, they behave
generously and give their neighbour that extra half egg. For example, the
person with 3 eggs will pass on 2 rather than 1 ½ eggs.
“When everyone at a table has the same number of eggs, then you may
consume them.”
“But first, you must find out how many times I will be saying “Go”.
The Naturally Mathematical team soon had their answer,
and thought that everyone was being made to wait too long before tucking
into the eggs, so they asked’ “Ms Bunny, please can we re-arrange the
plates so that you don’t have to say “Go” so often.”
What was the answer to Ms Bunny’s question that the
team found, and what was the re-arrangement of plates that they suggested?
