Out Shuffle - Mathematics

Mathematics

The number of out 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 out shuffles needed are: 1, 2, 4, 3, 6, 10, 12, 4, 8, 18, 6, ... (sequence A002326 in OEIS).

For a standard deck of 52 playing cards, the number of out shuffles required to return the deck to its original order is 8.

Read more about this topic:  Out Shuffle

Famous quotes containing the word mathematics:

    It is a monstrous thing to force a child to learn Latin or Greek or mathematics on the ground that they are an indispensable gymnastic for the mental powers. It would be monstrous even if it were true.
    George Bernard Shaw (1856–1950)

    In mathematics he was greater
    Than Tycho Brahe, or Erra Pater:
    For he, by geometric scale,
    Could take the size of pots of ale;
    Resolve, by sines and tangents straight,
    If bread and butter wanted weight;
    And wisely tell what hour o’ th’ day
    The clock doth strike, by algebra.
    Samuel Butler (1612–1680)

    Why does man freeze to death trying to reach the North Pole? Why does man drive himself to suffer the steam and heat of the Amazon? Why does he stagger his mind with the mathematics of the sky? Once the question mark has arisen in the human brain the answer must be found, if it takes a hundred years. A thousand years.
    Walter Reisch (1903–1963)