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Exercise: Josephus' Ring

1st century Jewish historian/philosopher/mathematician

[Diagram:Pic/josephus.png]

The legend:

  • Flavius Josephus was in a group of 41 people surrounded by the Romans
  • group decided to rather die than surrender
  • Flavius suggested forming a ring and going around clockwise
    • killing every 3rd person
    • until just one remains
    • who would commit suicide
  • He placed himself at position 31