I'm working on a school math project, and i need to make my own 2 plans, i know that you can split all 17.5 ct diamonds so that each pirate would get 4.375 ct diamonds but i want to know how i would split them up, like into to 1/2 s or 1/4 and i need another plan please help thank you. here is part of the directions.

A group of four pirates found a long-lost treasure chest with seven diamonds. Each diamond is a different mass, but has the same quality. Diamonds are measured by mass in carats (ct). This treasure includes 1 ct, 11 2 ct, 2 ct, 21 2 ct, 3 ct, 31 2 ct, and 4 ct diamonds. The pirates must share the diamonds equally; however, there is disagreement about how to make sure everyone gets a fair share. Each pirate has come up with a different plan. Sir Magnus De Beard suggests selling the diamonds and dividing up the cash, but Pete says this is too risky and will take too long. They all agree that the diamonds should be divided now and that they should go their separate ways. Don Benito Bonito suggests slicing each of the seven diamonds into four diamonds of equal mass. This would give everyone a fair share. But cutting the diamonds would reduce their overall value to less than 15% of their present value because smaller diamonds are worth a lot less. Cap’n Lady Mary Killigrew suggests giving Sir Magnus De Beard the 31 2 ct diamond and the 1 ct diamond. Don Benito Bonito would get the 3 ct diamond and the 11 2 ct diamond. Pete would get the 2 ct diamond and the 21 2 ct diamond. And Cap’n Lady Mary Killigrew would get the 4 ct diamond.

someone please answer! :o

I wouldn't split them at all since that would reduce their value so much. Sir Magnus is right. Sell the diamonds and split the cash.

To split the 17.5 carat diamonds evenly among the four pirates, you have two options as mentioned in the directions: slicing each diamond into four equal parts, or distributing them according to Cap’n Lady Mary Killigrew's plan.

1. Slicing the Diamonds:
If you choose to slice each of the seven diamonds into four equal parts, you would end up with a total of 28 smaller diamonds (7 diamonds x 4 parts each). Each pirate would then receive 7 diamonds. However, note that by cutting the diamonds into smaller pieces, their overall value would decrease to less than 15% of their original value.

2. Cap’n Lady Mary Killigrew's Plan:
According to Cap’n Lady Mary Killigrew's plan, the distribution of the diamonds would be as follows:
- Sir Magnus De Beard: 1 ct diamond + 31/2 ct diamond
- Don Benito Bonito: 3 ct diamond + 11/2 ct diamond (or 1/2 ct if we round down)
- Pete: 2 ct diamond + 21/2 ct diamond
- Cap’n Lady Mary Killigrew: 4 ct diamond

In this case, each pirate would receive a total of 7 ct of diamonds, which is the same as slicing them into four parts. However, the distribution is not equal as Sir Magnus De Beard and Cap’n Lady Mary Killigrew receive slightly more valuable diamonds.

Please note that both methods have their advantages and disadvantages, and you may need to consider the opinions of the pirates and choose the method that everyone agrees on.