In Shuffle - Mathematics

Mathematics

The number of in shuffles required to return a deck of cards of even size N, to original order is given by the multiplicative order of 2 modulo (N + 1).

For example, for a deck size of N = 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 ..., the number of in shuffles needed are: 2, 4, 3, 6, 10, 12, 4, 8, 18, 6, 11, ... (sequence A002326 in OEIS).

For a standard deck of 52 playing cards, the number of in shuffles required to return the deck to its original order is 52.

Read more about this topic:  In Shuffle

Famous quotes containing the word mathematics:

    ... though mathematics may teach a man how to build a bridge, it is what the Scotch Universities call the humanities, that teach him to be civil and sweet-tempered.
    Amelia E. Barr (1831–1919)