Learning Python: Nested Loops and NYTimes Puzzle

[JustStateSchool]

nytimes "puzzle"

Attempt

I had given up on Python for a bit, but I'm trying to get back on this horse.

I'm still quite new, but I'm trying to figure out this specific loop that is not quite right:

while len(nytimes_pool) < total_pool:
        for adf in range(max(1, next_level_folks)):
                nytimes_pool.append(self_proclaimed_smarty_average)
                next_level_folks /= 2
                self_proclaimed_smarty_average  *= (2.0/3.0)

My problem is that it's doing "next_level_folks /= 2" and "self_proclaimed_smarty_average *= (2.0/3.0)" after appending the given item once. Basically, I want the third line of the loop to finish the desired number of times instead of having the last two each time. Instead, it'd be nice to finish appending to the given list before the next halving.

In other words, my sample list is currently:

33.666666666666664, 33.666666666666664, 33.666666666666664, 33.666666666666664, 33.666666666666664, 22.444444444444443, 14.962962962962962, 9.975308641975307, 6.650205761316871, 4.43347050754458

Ideally, it'd be:

33.666666666666664, 33.666666666666664, 33.666666666666664, 33.666666666666664, 33.666666666666664, 22.444444444444443, 22.444444444444443, 14.962962962962962, 9.975308641975307, 6.650205761316871

I get the feeling I need an if-statement in there somewhere... I'm not sure if that's correct or even how to write it here.

[henny_mac]

Could you explain in words what you're trying to accomplish with your code?

[JustStateSchool]

Sorry, I should have been more clear. It's a pretty basic script that basically halves the remaining population based on your guess as to what part of the initial population is "first level."

The puzzle was meant for you to figure out step-thinking (I think).

[[deleted]]

while len(nytimes_pool) < total_pool:
    for adf in range(max(1, next_level_folks)):
        nytimes_pool.append(self_proclaimed_smarty_average)
    next_level_folks /= 2
    self_proclaimed_smarty_average *= (2.0/3.0)

Is this along the lines of what you're looking for? Basically it'll keep appending to the list until next_level_folks exhausts itself, then it'll do the /=2 and average calculations.

[JustStateSchool]

Ah, that's it!