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foxy02 Dec 6, 2017
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Actually, that is the professional way of doing it, when you’re teaching concepts.

Here’s a LaTex formatted, reproduction from

deriving the general solution formula for circle cutting (pancake cutting) problems in a plane.

$$\begin{array}{lrl} F(1) &=& 2 \\ F(2) &=& 2+f(1) \\ F(n) &=&n+f(n-1) \\ \small \text{Therefore, }\\ &=&n+(n-1)+f(n-2)\\ &=&f(1)+\sum \limits_{k=2}^{n}k \\ &=&2+\dfrac{1}{2}(n+2)(n-1) \\ &=&\dfrac{1}{2}(n^2+n+2) \\ \end {array}$$

Here’s the specific solution for this problem using the quadratic formula. As expected, this matches Hectictar’s solution.

$$\dfrac{(n^2+n+2)}{2}=16\\ n^2+n+2=32\\ n^2+n-30=0\\ \dfrac{-1+\sqrt{1^2-4\cdot \:1(-30)}}{2 \cdot 1} = 5\\ \dfrac{-1-\sqrt{1^2-4\cdot \:1(-30)}}{2\cdot \:1} = -6 \small \text{ (Not used as a solution for this problem in this universe.* }\\$$

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*The negative six (-6) is a solution in an alternate universe.

I’ve visited that universe.  I noticed on the forum there, that Sisyphus is the prolific solution master for mathematics, and CPhill is the well-known rock-roller.

GA

GingerAle Dec 6, 2017

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