PageRank

This picture is from the patent for Google's search algorithm, PageRank. It describes in simple terms how the algorithm works.

• A, with PageRank 0.4, has two links out, to B and C, so contributes half of its PageRank to each of those - 0.2.
• B has rank 0.2, since A is the only incoming link. B links to C, contributing 0.2. Combined with the link from  A, C has PageRank 0.4.
• A has one incoming link, from C. This is C's only outgoing link, so contributes 0.4, C's PageRank, to A.

The circular logic is spell-binding.