
doi: 10.15807/jorsj.32.56
The false coin problem is stated as: You are given a balance and N coins (N\(\geq 3)\). N-1 coins are equal in weight, but the N-th is defective, and weighs somewhat more or less than each of the other N-1 coins. Devise a procedure to determine, in the minimum number of weighings, which is the false coin, and whether it is lighter or heavier than the others. This problem has been studied in various approaches for the last four decades, and several methods by which the problem can be solved have been given. Almost no progress has been made, however, towards the solution of the problem of minimizing the expectation of the number of weighings in handling the false coin problem, and it has been still unsolved. In this paper we call the problem of minimizing the expectation of the number of weighings `Optimal Weighing Problem', and solve it by a new method named `Stochastic Skeleton Method'. At first, we classify the ways of weighing coins into three types in terms of probability. Then, we present a graphical representation of a procedure of weighing and call it `Skeleton Diagram'. Next, we present an algorithm for finding an optimal procedure of weighings by means of the Skeleton Diagram.
Management decision making, including multiple objectives, Stochastic Skeleton Method, Search theory, minimum number of weighings, false coin problem
Management decision making, including multiple objectives, Stochastic Skeleton Method, Search theory, minimum number of weighings, false coin problem
| selected citations These citations are derived from selected sources. This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically). | 0 | |
| popularity This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network. | Average | |
| influence This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically). | Average | |
| impulse This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network. | Average |
