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 #2
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To solve the problem of finding the number of ways the numbers 1 through 5 can be arranged into the five boxes so that the inequalities \(\_ < \_ > \_ < \_ > \_\) hold, we need to carefully consider the pattern and constraints.

 

Let's break it down step by step:

 

1. **Pattern Analysis:**


   - The sequence alternates between increasing and decreasing.


   - If we let the positions be labeled as \(a < b > c < d > e\), we need to ensure that each set of inequalities is satisfied.

 

2. **Key Points:**


   - The first number must be less than the second number.


   - The second number must be greater than the third number.


   - The third number must be less than the fourth number.


   - The fourth number must be greater than the fifth number.

 

3. **Counting Valid Sequences:**


   - There are a total of 5! (120) possible permutations of the numbers 1 through 5.


   - We need to determine how many of these permutations satisfy the given inequalities.

 

One way to approach this problem is to use a systematic method to generate valid sequences, but a more efficient way is to realize that this problem is a known combinatorial problem.

 

### Generating Function Approach (Optional):

 

This problem can also be solved using generating functions and other combinatorial techniques, but for simplicity, let's use a direct combinatorial argument.

 

### Direct Counting:

 

Instead of listing all permutations, we can use a combinatorial argument based on symmetry and known results in permutations and inequalities.

For a permutation of \(n\) elements satisfying a specific pattern of inequalities like this, it can be shown that the number of valid permutations is given by:

 

\[ \frac{(n-1)!}{(k-1)! \cdot (n-k-1)!} \]

 

where \(k\) is the number of ascents (increasing steps) in the permutation.

 

For the pattern \(_ < _ > _ < _ > _\), there are 2 ascents and 2 descents in the sequence.

 

Therefore, the number of valid permutations is:

 

\[ \frac{4!}{1! \cdot 1! \cdot 2!} = \frac{24}{2} = 12 \]

 

Thus, there are 12 valid ways to arrange the numbers 1 through 5 into the five boxes to satisfy the given inequalities.

Jul 19, 2024
 #1
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I can answer problem 2!

 

This problem can be solved by analyzing the behavior of the function f(x, y) at different points and identifying repeating patterns.

 

Understanding the Function:

 

The function f(x, y) modifies the x and y coordinates based on the initial values of x and y.

 

If x > 4, it subtracts 4 from x and keeps y the same. (e.g., f(5, 1) = (1, 1))

 

If x <= 4 and y > 4, it keeps x the same and subtracts 4 from y. (e.g., f(2, 5) = (2, 1))

 

Otherwise (x <= 4 and y <= 4), it adds 5 to x and adds 2 to y. (e.g., f(1, 1) = (6, 3))

 

Analyzing the Robot's Movement:

 

Starting Point: The robot starts at (1, 1).

 

First Iteration: Applying f(1, 1) based on the third rule (x <= 4 and y <= 4), we get f(1, 1) = (6, 3).

 

Subsequent Iterations:

 

At (6, 3), x > 4 and y > 4. So, f(6, 3) = (2, -1). (This is because x is now greater than 4, and y is greater than 4 in the new position).

 

At (2, -1), x <= 4 and y <= 4. So, f(2, -1) = (7, 1).

 

At (7, 1), x > 4 and y <= 4. So, f(7, 1) = (3, 1).

 

Repeating Pattern:

 

Notice how the robot's movement falls into a repeating cycle: (1, 1) -> (6, 3) -> (2, -1) -> (7, 1) -> (3, 1) -> (8, 3) -> ...

 

This cycle repeats because after reaching (3, 1), the function follows the same path back to (1, 1) and continues the cycle infinitely.

 

Number of Unique Points:

 

Within this cycle, there are 4 unique points visited: (1, 1), (6, 3), (2, -1), and (7, 1).

 

Therefore, the robot will visit only 4 unique points regardless of how long it runs.

May 25, 2024