How did you get your answers Algebra, computer, calculus? I am hanging to see what the correct answer is. I have checked my working and I cannot see any errors, but that is not to say that I did not make any. Just to repeat, I got 83 drums.
I did it using a calculator, but now that I think about it (spoiler?) using 'sub-stations' every 1 mile instead of 50 may bring the number down(end spoiler)
Yeah, just tried... it does use more. Common ryans, post the solution in white. I want to see the nswer so I can go to sleepPlease Register or Log in to view the hidden image!
therefore, 50 miles is the longest distance between stations possible cause anyfurther and u cant get back
I think every 50 miles would be the optimum distance as it is exactly half the distance that can be travelled on one tank. If you say 1 mile, why not half a mile, why not a centimetre. 50 miles seems to make sense don't you think?
Janus58, don't you think it is about time you put us out of our misery?Please Register or Log in to view the hidden image!
if you use 103 tanks at the start then u use 51.5 tanks to get 50 miles into the desert. so u have 51.5 tanks at 50 miles then to get to 100 miles in you use 25.5 tanks and you have 26 left at 100 miles in. to get to 150 tanks in you use 12.5 tanks so u have 13.5 tanks left at 150 miles. you use 6.5 tanks to get that to 200 miles in so u have 7 tanks left at 200 miles. you use 3.5 tanks to get to 250 miles so u have 3.5 tanks left at 250 miles use 1.5 litres to get to 300 miles so u have 2 tanks at 300 miles which is enough to get you the last 200 miles. rules are simple if you have an even/odd/or half number of barrels and you want to get to the next station 50 m away if you have an even number of barrels you will be left with 1/2 the original number + 1/2 a barrel. if you have an odd number of barrels you will left with exactly half the number you started with. if you have 1/2 amount of barrels you will be left with half the original + 1/4 of a tank. these rules are constant and i dont see how you could get another answer other than what i got
I can't see how this works. The answer I came up with was by progressively penetrating deeper into the desert until there were tanks at 100, 200 and 300 miles, then you can jump across the desert with the 2 tanks you have on board and the ones placed in the desert. The thing you have to find is the cost of placing the tanks in the desert in this configuration. This way I got 83 barrels.
I got 64. I will post my math in a few minutes. I hope I didn't miss something and look like a big fat fool! Please Register or Log in to view the hidden image!
I DID miss something. When I went through it I found the same answer as Ryans. I started with 64 and worked my way up. I am sure I am missing something here because all you need is two drums at 300 miles, and two drums at 100 miles to make it through. I decided to post the way I was reasoning it out and maybe someone will see my flaw and find out how to reduce it. I can't help but think it can be done in just over 64 barrels, but my mind doesn't seem to agree witm me right now.
GWBASIC I wrote a program in GWBASIC to count the trips to stock weigh stations until I had enough fule to complete the trip without returning. But apparently I made some bad or unecessary drops getting there, in the program. You know garbage in garbage out.
