Merchant's Ruby Distribution Strategy

A prosperous merchant is exposed for corruption, with his wealth tied up in 30 rubies. The king decides to determine the fine through a strategic game between the merchant and the king's advisor. The advisor must choose numbers for three boxes of rubies, aiming to maximize the fine. The game involves strategic decision-making, considering worst-case scenarios to ensure the advisor wins more than half of the rubies. The advisor uses a proof by contradiction to determine the best strategy, ultimately recovering a significant portion of the merchant's wealth for the victims.

What was the public's reaction to the merchant's corrupt dealings?

• They demanded his execution.

• They wanted his rubies confiscated.

• They ignored the situation.

• They supported his business.

What is the total number of rubies the merchant has?

• 20 rubies

• 35 rubies

• 25 rubies

• 30 rubies

How did the king decide to resolve the issue of the merchant's wealth?

• By imprisoning the merchant.

• Through a game of wits.

• By pardoning the merchant.

• By confiscating all his wealth.

What is one of the constraints placed on the distribution of rubies?

• Each box must contain at least five rubies.

• One box must contain exactly six more rubies than another.

• All boxes must have the same number of rubies.

• The rubies must be distributed equally.

What happens if your number is greater than the number of rubies in a box?

• You receive all the rubies in the box.

• The merchant keeps the entire box.

• The rubies are split between you and the merchant.

• The rubies are discarded.

What should you do to ensure you get the maximum number of rubies?

• Write the lowest possible number on each card.

• Write different numbers on each card.

• Write the same number on each card.

• Write the highest possible number on each card.

Why is it important to consider the worst-case scenario in this game?

• To minimize the number of rubies obtained.

• To maximize the number of rubies obtained.

• To confuse the merchant.

• To ensure the merchant wins.

What is the minimum number of rubies you are guaranteed to win?

• 20 rubies

• 10 rubies

• 12 rubies

• 16 rubies

What is the significance of the proof by contradiction in this scenario?

• It proves that two boxes must have at least 8 rubies.

• It shows that all boxes must have the same number of rubies.

• It demonstrates that the merchant will always win.

• It indicates that the game is unfair.

What is the main goal of the king's advisor in this game?

• To lose the game intentionally.

• To ensure the merchant keeps his wealth.

• To confuse the merchant.

• To recover more than half of the merchant's rubies.