Journal of the Mathematics Council of the Alberta Teachers’ Association
Volume 27 Issue 3, April 1989
39 – 40
Appendix I: Supplementary Problems
Edited by Andy Liu
There are 1001 pebbles in a heap. The heap is divided into two, the number of pebbles in each is counted and the product of these two numbers is written down. A heap containing at least two pebbles is then chosen, divided into two, the pebbles are counted and the product is written down. This procedure is continued until every heap contains one pebble. Find the maximum value of the sum of the 1000 products written down.
