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Problems Methods Algebraic methods Counting in two ways

An \(8 \times 8\) chessboard has 30 diagonals total (15 in each direction). Is it possible to place several chess pieces on this chessboard in such a way that the total number of pieces on each diagonal would be odd?

Problem #PRU-100636

Problems Methods Algebraic methods Counting in two ways

Anna’s garden is a grid of \(n \times m\) squares. She wants to have trees in some of these squares, but she wants the total number of trees in each column and in each row to be an odd number (not necessarily the same, they just all need to be odd). Show that it is possible only if \(m\) and \(n\) are both even or both odd and calculate in how many different ways she can place the trees in the grid.

Problem #PRU-103780

Problems Methods Algebraic methods Partitions into pairs and groups; bijections Pigeonhole principle Pigeonhole principle (other) Proof by exhaustion

11–13 3.0

In any group of 10 children, out of a total of 60 pupils, there will be three who are in the same class. Will it always be the case that amongst the 60 pupils there will be: 1) 15 classmates? 2) 16 classmates?

Problem #PRU-103787

Problems Methods Algebraic methods Counting in two ways Extremal principle Extremal principle (other) Pigeonhole principle Pigeonhole principle (other)

12–14 3.0

One term a school ran 20 sessions of an after-school Astronomy Club. Exactly five pupils attended each session and no two students encountered one another over all of the sessions more than once. Prove that no fewer than 20 pupils attended the Astronomy Club at some point during the term.

Problem #PRU-103882

Problems Methods Algebraic methods Proof by exhaustion Discrete Mathematics Set theory and logic Mathematical logic Puzzles

11–12 2.0

Find the smallest four-digit number \(CEEM\) for which there exists a solution to the rebus \(MN + PORG = CEEM\). (The same letters correspond to the same numbers, different – different.)

Problem #PRU-103888

Problems Methods Algebraic methods Proof by exhaustion Geometry Solid geometry Visual geometry in space

11–12 2.0

A square napkin was folded in half, the resulting rectangle was then folded in half again (see the figure). The resulting square was then cut with scissors (in a straight line). Could the napkin have been broken up a) into 2 parts? b) into 3 parts? c) into 4 parts? d) into 5 parts? If yes – illustrate such a cut, if not – write the word “no”.

Problem #PRU-107992

Problems Calculus Real numbers Integer and fractional parts. Archimedean property Methods Pigeonhole principle Algebra Sequences Algebraic methods Symmetry and involutions

14–16 5.0

For each pair of real numbers \(a\) and \(b\), consider the sequence of numbers \(p_n = \lfloor 2 \{an + b\}\rfloor\). Any \(k\) consecutive terms of this sequence will be called a word. Is it true that any ordered set of zeros and ones of length \(k\) is a word of the sequence given by some \(a\) and \(b\) for \(k = 4\); when \(k = 5\)?

Note: \(\lfloor c\rfloor\) is the integer part, \(\{c\}\) is the fractional part of the number \(c\).

Problem #PRU-109493

Problems Methods Algebraic methods Iterations Mathematical induction Mathematical induction (other) Processes and operations Calculus Real numbers Rational and irrational numbers Discrete Mathematics Algorithm Theory Theory of algorithms (other)

14–16 4.0

With a non-zero number, the following operations are allowed: \(x \rightarrow \frac{1+x}{x}\), \(x \rightarrow \frac{1-x}{x}\). Is it true that from every non-zero rational number one can obtain each rational number with the help of a finite number of such operations?

Problem #PRU-109704

Problems Algebra Algebraic inequalities and systems of inequalities Algebraic inequalities (other) Methods Algebraic methods Counting in two ways Calculus Real numbers Integer and fractional parts. Archimedean property

13–15 4.0

Prove that for any positive integer \(n\) the inequality

is true.

Problem #PRU-109937

Problems Methods Invariants and semi-invariants Invariants Pigeonhole principle Pigeonhole principle (finite number of poits, lines etc.) Algebraic methods Processes and operations Proof by exhaustion

14–16 4.0

We are given a table of size \(n \times n\). \(n-1\) of the cells in the table contain the number \(1\). The remainder contain the number \(0\). We are allowed to carry out the following operation on the table:

1. Pick a cell.

2. Subtract 1 from the number in that cell.

3. Add 1 to every other cell in the same row or column as the chosen cell.

Is it possible, using only this operation, to create a table in which all the cells contain the same number?