OCR MEI D1 2007 June — Question 2

Exam BoardOCR MEI
ModuleD1 (Decision Mathematics 1)
Year2007
SessionJune
TopicPermutations & Arrangements
TypeAssignment/allocation matching problems

2 Two hikers each have a 25 litre rucksack to pack. The items to be packed have volumes of 14, 6, 11, 9 and 6 litres.
  1. Apply the first fit algorithm to the items in the order given and comment on the outcome.
  2. Write the five items in descending order of volume. Apply the first fit decreasing algorithm to find a packing for the rucksacks.
  3. The hikers argue that the first fit decreasing algorithm does not produce a fair allocation of volumes to rucksacks. Produce a packing which gives a fairer allocation of volumes between the two rucksacks. Explain why the hikers might not want to use this packing.