Measure 45 minutes with two ropes
Measure 45 minutes with two ropes
You are given two ropes. Each rope takes exactly 60 minutes to burn completely, but their burn rate is non-uniform. You have a lighter and can light a rope at one end or both ends. You do not have any other timing device.
Describe a procedure that measures exactly 45 minutes.
AI interview prep
Core dilemma
Leveraging non-uniform burn rates to achieve precise time intervals by strategically igniting ropes from one or both ends.
2 tradeoffs and 2 stress tests locked
Interview prep
Unlock the interviewer X-Ray rubric, tradeoff matrix, stress tests, clarifying questions, and key concepts.
Measure 45 minutes with two ropes
Measure 45 minutes with two ropes
You are given two ropes. Each rope takes exactly 60 minutes to burn completely, but their burn rate is non-uniform. You have a lighter and can light a rope at one end or both ends. You do not have any other timing device.
Describe a procedure that measures exactly 45 minutes.