Street Math: How to get spoon and fork in food courts efficiently
Problem
In many food courts (at least in the Philippines), spoons and forks are usually kept in a 2x2 container (2 rows and 2 columns), such as the one shown below.
What would be the optimal way of getting utensils such that the probability of getting 2 of the same kind (2 spoons or 2 forks, instead of 1 spoon and 1 fork) is kept to a minimum?
Solution
Get the utensils which are oriented diagonally to each other.
Why it works
There is a great chance that the spoons and forks will be alligned in a row or a column (human psychology, perhaps?). Thus, getting the utensils which are oriented diagonally to each other will most likely yield utensils which are not of the same type.
Comments
I have been using this principle for a long time already and I have only failed once. Whenever I am able to get 1 spoon and 1 fork correctly, there is some feeling of gratification. You should try it next time you are in a food court!
Image from : http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Cutlery-Holder-Rack-2X2-Slot-Countertop-4-Cylinders-/310310963773
In many food courts (at least in the Philippines), spoons and forks are usually kept in a 2x2 container (2 rows and 2 columns), such as the one shown below.
What would be the optimal way of getting utensils such that the probability of getting 2 of the same kind (2 spoons or 2 forks, instead of 1 spoon and 1 fork) is kept to a minimum?
Solution
Get the utensils which are oriented diagonally to each other.
Why it works
There is a great chance that the spoons and forks will be alligned in a row or a column (human psychology, perhaps?). Thus, getting the utensils which are oriented diagonally to each other will most likely yield utensils which are not of the same type.
Comments
I have been using this principle for a long time already and I have only failed once. Whenever I am able to get 1 spoon and 1 fork correctly, there is some feeling of gratification. You should try it next time you are in a food court!
Image from : http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Cutlery-Holder-Rack-2X2-Slot-Countertop-4-Cylinders-/310310963773
Comments
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