Maths Problem: Connect the towns solution (Motorway Problem)

Duration: 5 mins 35 secs
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Description: What is the minimum amount of road needed to connect these four towns together? Known as the Motorway Problem or Steiner Problem. An experimental solution.
 
Created: 2011-08-16 19:14
Collection: Quite Easily Done
Publisher: University of Cambridge
Copyright: Dr J.R. Grime
Language: eng (English)
Distribution: World     (downloadable)
Keywords: maths; math; mathematics; problem; puzzle; motorway; steiner points; minimum tree; connect;
Categories: iTunes - Mathematics
Explicit content: No
Aspect Ratio: 16:9
Screencast: No
Bumper: UCS Default
Trailer: UCS Default
 
Abstract: What is the minimum amount of road needed to connect these four towns together? Known as the Motorway Problem or Steiner Problem. An experimental solution.

With thanks to Scott Grandison of the University of East Anglia for all his help! And David and Neil of the workshop for making the props!

Reference: Problem solving with soap films: Part I, C Isenberg 1975 Phys. Educ. 10 452 http://iopscience.iop.org/0031-9120/10/6/314

More information from wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steiner_tree

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