Problems

How many subsets of \(\{1, 2, . . . , n\}\) are there of even size?

In how many ways can \(\{1, . . . , n\}\) be written as the union of two sets? Here, for example, \(\{1, 2, 3, 4\}\cup\{4, 5\}\) and \(\{4, 5\}\cup\{1, 2, 3, 4\}\) count as the same way of writing \(\{1, 2, 3, 4, 5\}\) as a union.

Prove for any natural number \(n\) that \((n + 1)(n + 2). . .(2n)\) is divisible by \(2^n\).

Between two mirrors \(AB\) and \(AC\), forming a sharp angle two points \(D\) and \(E\) are located. In what direction should one shine a ray of light from the point \(D\) in such a way that it would reflect off both mirrors and hit the point \(E\)?
If a ray of light comes towards a surface under a certain angle, it is reflected with the same angle as on the picture.

Consider a set of natural numbers \(A\), consisting of all numbers divisible by \(6\), let \(B\) be the set of all natural numbers divisible by \(8\), and \(C\) be the set of all natural numbers divisible by \(12\). Describe the sets \(A\cup B\), \(A\cup B\cup C\), \(A\cap B\cap C\), \(A-(B\cap C)\).

Let \(a\), \(b\) and \(c\) be the three side lengths of a triangle. Does there exist a triangle with side lengths \(a+1\), \(b+1\) and \(c+1\)? Does it depend on what \(a\), \(b\) and \(c\) are?

There is a triangle with side lengths \(a\), \(b\) and \(c\). Can you form a triangle with side lengths \(\frac{a}{b}\), \(\frac{b}{c}\) and \(\frac{c}{a}\)? Does it depend on what \(a\), \(b\) and \(c\) are? Give a proof if it is always possible or never possible. Otherwise, construct examples to show the dependence on \(a\), \(b\) and \(c\).
Recall that a triangle can be drawn with side lengths \(x\), \(y\) and \(z\) if and only if \(x+y>z\), \(y+z>x\) and \(z+x>y\).

There is a triangle with side lengths \(a\), \(b\) and \(c\). Does there exist a triangle with side lengths \(|a-b|\), \(|b-c|\) and \(|c-a|\)? Does it depend on what \(a\), \(b\) and \(c\) are?
Recall that a triangle can be formed with side lengths \(x\), \(y\) and \(z\) if and only if all the inequalities \(x+y>z\), \(y+z>x\) and \(z+x>y\) hold.

There is a triangle with side lenghts \(a\), \(b\) and \(c\). Does there exist a triangle with sides of lengths \(a^2+bc\), \(b^2+ca\) and \(c^2+ab\)? Does it depend on the values of \(a\), \(b\) and \(c\)?

Prove that the set of all finite subsets of natural numbers \(\mathbb{N}\) is countable. Then prove that the set of all subsets of natural numbers is not countable.