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Screwy Pirates
Jane StreetOptiver
Five rational pirates split 100 gold coins. The most senior proposes a split; if at least half (including the proposer) approve, it passes — otherwise he is thrown overboard and the next-senior proposes. Pirates prioritise survival, then gold, then bloodthirst. How many coins does the most senior pirate keep?
Approach
Solve the 1- and 2-pirate base cases first.
A pirate accepts any offer strictly better than what he’d get if the proposer dies.
Answer
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The answer is 98. Sign in free for the full worked solution and to check your own answer.
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