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What is the smallest number of airplanes needed to ensure the complete flight of one plane around the world?

+2 votes
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There are a group of airplanes on an island. The tank of each airplane contains just enough fuel to fly halfway around the world. Any amount of fuel can be transferred from one plane to another while in the air. The only fuel source is on the island. It is assumed that all planes burn fuel at the same rate and fly at the same speed.
What is the smallest number of airplanes needed to ensure the complete flight of one plane around the world?
All planes should return safely to the island.

posted Jul 16, 2019 by Prithvi

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A trip around the world!
Logic Level 3

There is an air base on the equator. The maximum amount of fuel that a plane can contain would be only sufficient for it to fly halfway around the world.

For at least one plane to finish a trip around the world, how many planes do you need at least?

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