TED-ED: Can you solve the seven planets riddle? - Edwin F. Meyer

The video tutorial presents a problem of capturing rebels moving between seven planets. The rebels can only move to adjacent planets, while the cruiser can warp between any two planets. The challenge is to devise a search sequence to catch the rebels within 10 hours. The strategy involves simplifying the problem by focusing on a subset of planets and using the rebels' movement pattern to corner them. The solution is to search planets in a specific order, ensuring that the rebels are caught regardless of their starting position.

What is the main advantage of the cruiser's movement capabilities compared to the rebels' ship?

• The cruiser can detect the rebels' location automatically.

• The cruiser can warp between any two planets every hour.

• The cruiser can move twice as fast as the rebels' ship.

• The cruiser can warp between any two planets instantly.

Why is planet three considered crucial in the simplified four-planet scenario?

• It is adjacent to all other planets.

• It is the starting point for the rebels.

• It is the largest planet in the cluster.

• It is the only planet with resources.

What is the initial assumption made about the rebels' starting position in the seven-planet strategy?

• They start on planet three.

• They start on an odd-numbered planet.

• They start on the outermost planet.

• They start on an even-numbered planet.

How does the strategy ensure capturing the rebels if the initial assumption about their starting position is incorrect?

• By searching only the odd-numbered planets.

• By increasing the number of searches.

• By repeating the same sequence of searches.

• By using a different sequence of searches.

What is the significance of dividing the planets into even and odd subsets in the strategy?

• It helps in identifying the rebels' ship type.

• It simplifies the search process by alternating searches.

• It allows the cruiser to move faster.

• It ensures the rebels cannot hide on planet three.