Question

You have been assigned task of computing the sum of 1000 four-digit numbers as rapidly as possible. You hold in your hands a stack of 1000 index cards, each contain a single number, and you are in charge of 1,000 expert accountants, each with a calculator. You might choose to use services of any number of these accountants. The accountants are meeting at desks that are organized in to 25 rows and 40 columns. Each accountant is able to pass cards to the four accounts nearest her - in front, in back, to left, to right.

a. explain a fast process of distributing the cards to the accountants.

b. explain a fast process of accumulating the sub totals generated by the active accountants in to grand total.