Re: [math-fun] Wilson's 1D gun problem

But I think he is right. I think a simpler proof is the next n shots all use exactly the maximum allowed speed. This kills the previous n bullets assuming none used exactly max speed. Then the next M-n shots all are arranged to annihilate in chronologically-successive pairs.

No, that's not correct: some of the n currently-living bullets may annihilate each other before these speed=1 (or 1-e) bullets reach them. But as I said before, there is certainly *some* number of bullets you can fire which will make this plan work. --Michael -- Forewarned is worth an octopus in the bush.