Challenge of the Week: ORANGEANDBLUE

By Department of Mathematics

Deadline: 11:59 PM on Sunday, Oct. 27

The Rules: 

The contest is open to everyone. Individuals or teams of at most three members may submit solutions. Do not discuss the problem with anyone other than members of your team. You may use any source, written or electronic, but all sources must be properly cited. You may use any computational tools. Your solution will be graded on a 0–4 point scale. All your assertions must be completely and fully justified. At the same time, you should aim to be as concise as possible; avoid overly lengthy arguments and unnecessary components. Your grade will be based on both mathematical accuracy and clarity of presentation. Either send your solution to bbajnok@gettysburg.edu or put it in Bela’s departmental mailbox by the above deadline. Consistently successful participants will receive the Paul Mugabi Mathematics Problem Solving Award.

The Problem:

What is the probability that a random arrangement of the 13 letters — A, A, B, D, E, E, G, L, N, N, O, R, U — spells ORANGEANDBLUE?

Author: Gettysburgian Staff

Share This Post On

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *