| − | The '''Ham Sandwich Theorem''' is a theorem in [[Topology|topology]] stating that the volume of any three 3-dimensional objects of any shape (imagined as a slice of bread, some ham, and another slice of bread) can all be perfectly bisected with one plane. That is, one straight slice of a knife will create two half-sandwiches, with exactly equal amounts of bread on top, equal amounts of ham, and equal amounts of bread on the bottom. It is the three-dimensional version of the two-dimensional [[Two-Pancake Problem]]. | + | The '''Ham Sandwich Theorem''' is a theorem in [[analysis|mathematical analysis]] stating that the volume of any three 3-dimensional objects of any shape (imagined as a slice of bread, some ham, and another slice of bread) can all be perfectly bisected with one plane. That is, one straight slice of a knife will create two half-sandwiches, with exactly equal amounts of bread on top, equal amounts of ham, and equal amounts of bread on the bottom. It is the three-dimensional version of the two-dimensional [[Two-Pancake Problem]]. |
| − | Visualizing this at an intuitive level is no easier if one replaces bread, ham, and bread with Earth, Mars, and Jupiter. It is probably easier if you're from [[England|England]], where ham sandwiches have two slices of bread and one of ham, with no lettuce, tomato or pickles. | + | Visualizing this at an intuitive level is probably easier if one replaces bread, ham, and bread with Earth, Mars, and Jupiter. |