Winter 1999
Week #7
If you change seats efficiently enough, then you can
solve the WSU Math Department's                                               

TEN MEN IN A CANOE






Ten men are fishing all in a row in a large canoe. The seat in the middle of the boat is empty. The five men in the front of the canoe want to exchange seats with the five men in back. A person can move from his seat to the next empty seat or he can step over one person without capsizing the canoe. What is the minimum number of moves needed for the 5 men in front to change places with the 5 in back?

Solution

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