← Complete problem index

PROJECT EULER · #0807

Loops of Ropes

Statement only · UnsolvedOriginal problem ↗

Given a circle C and an integer n>1, we perform the following operations.

In step 0, we choose two uniformly random points R0 and B0 on C.
In step i (1i<n), we first choose a uniformly random point Ri on C and connect the points Ri1 and Ri with a red rope; then choose a uniformly random point Bi on C and connect the points Bi1 and Bi with a blue rope.
In step n, we first connect the points Rn1 and R0 with a red rope; then connect the points Bn1 and B0 with a blue rope.
Each rope is straight between its two end points, and lies above all previous ropes.

After step n, we get a loop of red ropes, and a loop of blue ropes.
Sometimes the two loops can be separated, as in the left figure below; sometimes they are "linked", hence cannot be separated, as in the middle and right figures below.

Let P(n) be the probability that the two loops can be separated.
For example, P(3)=1120 and P(5)0.4304177690.

Find P(80), rounded to 10 digits after decimal point.

Write-up coming later

The complete problem is available here. An approach, code, and answer will be added later.