Describe an algorithm that sorts 5 unequal rocks with lever

Describe an algorithm that sorts 5 unequal rocks with lever scales using only 7 (or 8) tests

Solution

Explanation:

Let\'s assume that 5 rocks are numbered as 1,2,3,4 and 5, respectively and we are sorting them in increasing order.

Step1: Let\'s 1 and 2 are compared using a lever. Let (2>1).

Step 2: Now, 3 and 4 are compared using a lever. Let (4>3)

Step 3: Now, 5 will be compared with sorted pair of rocks (3,4).

Step-4: Similarly, now sorted pair (1,2) will be compared with (3,4,5).

So, in worst case, total number of levers can be used to sort unequal rocks will be 8.