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lovemake1
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Homework Statement
Suppose that n identical planks, each of length 1 metre, are stacked flat on top of each other, with each one shifted a little further to the right, creating an ever larger overhang. Prove the maximum span of this overhang is:
1/2(1 + 1/2 + 1/3 + ... + 1/n-1) metre
Homework Equations
The Attempt at a Solution
Ok so I've got a mental image of what an overhang loooks like..
Top
space ----------------
spac ----------------
spa ----------------
sp ----------------
s ----------------
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Bottom
So Fn = 1/2 (1 + 1/2 + 1/3 + ... + 1/n-1) metres
we have to define what Fn is..
and using the already given formula, I am suppose to come up with one right ?
But that's where i am having problem.
Please let me know if I am going in the right direction.
Helps apprecicated thanks
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