Helpers all work the same. Jobs do not. One job takes one beat; another holds the helper for five. Stretch the job, then walk the clock.
job length: 1 beat
1 beat5 beats
Two helpers now. In separate lines you are stuck in your line even when the other helper goes empty. In one shared line, whoever is first takes the next opening.
clock: beat 0
beat 0beat 5
Four people, one beat each. In separate lines, three pick desk 1.
clock: beat 0
beat 0beat 3
Run it both ways: the crowd gains, one person waits longer.
New crowd of six, same two helpers. B's job takes five beats; everyone else takes one.
Two separate lines
left lineACE
right lineBDF
?
One shared line
one lineABCDEF
?
Nobody has moved. Wider blocks mean longer jobs.
Left line: A, C, E. Right line: B, D, F. B takes five beats; the rest take one.
When this crowd swaps separate lines for one shared line, whose wait shrinks the most?
Drag the clock — both line-ups run at once.
clock: beat 0
beat 0beat 7
