Difference between revisions of "2022 AMC 12A Problems/Problem 19"

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Let's do casework on which slot <math>n</math> goes into to get a general idea for how the problem works.
 
Let's do casework on which slot <math>n</math> goes into to get a general idea for how the problem works.
  
With <math>n</math> in spot <math>n+1</math>, there are <math>n</math> available slots before <math>n</math>, and there are <math>n-1</math> cards preceding <math>n</math>. Therefore the number of ways to reserve these slots for the <math>n-1</math> cards is <math>\binom{n}{n-1}</math>. Then there is only <math>1</math> way to order these cards (since we want them in increasing order). Finally, card <math>m</math> goes into whatever slot is remaining. Therefore in this case there are <math>\binom{n}{n-1}</math> possibilities.
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\textbf{Case 1:}With <math>n</math> in spot <math>n+1</math>, there are <math>n</math> available slots before <math>n</math>, and there are <math>n-1</math> cards preceding <math>n</math>. Therefore the number of ways to reserve these slots for the <math>n-1</math> cards is <math>\binom{n}{n-1}</math>. Then there is only <math>1</math> way to order these cards (since we want them in increasing order). Finally, card <math>m</math> goes into whatever slot is remaining. Therefore in this case there are <math>\binom{n}{n-1}</math> possibilities.
  
  

Revision as of 12:52, 12 November 2022

Problem

Suppose that 13 cards numbered 1, 2, 3, . . . , 13 are arranged in a row. The task is to pick them up in numerically increasing order, working repeatedly from left to right. In the example below, cards 1, 2, 3 are picked up on the first pass, 4 and 5 on the second pass, 6 on the third pass, 7, 8, 9, 10 on the fourth pass, and 11, 12, 13 on the fifth pass.

For how many of the 13! possible orderings of the cards will the 13 cards be picked up in exactly two passes?

Solution

Since the $13$ cards are picked up in two passes, the first pass must pick up the first $n$ cards and the second pass must pick up the remaining cards $m$ through $13$. Also note that if $m$, which is the card that is numbered one more than $n$, is placed before $n$, then $m$ will not be picked up on the first pass since cards are picked up in order. Therefore we desire $m$ to be placed before $n$ to create a second pass, and that after the first pass, the numbers $m$ through $13$ are lined up in order from least to greatest.

To construct this, $n$ cannot go in the $n$th position because all cards $1$ to $n-1$ will have to precede it and there will be no room for $m$. Therefore $n$ must be in slots $n+1$ to $13$. Let's do casework on which slot $n$ goes into to get a general idea for how the problem works.

\textbf{Case 1:}With $n$ in spot $n+1$, there are $n$ available slots before $n$, and there are $n-1$ cards preceding $n$. Therefore the number of ways to reserve these slots for the $n-1$ cards is $\binom{n}{n-1}$. Then there is only $1$ way to order these cards (since we want them in increasing order). Finally, card $m$ goes into whatever slot is remaining. Therefore in this case there are $\binom{n}{n-1}$ possibilities.


Solution in Progress

~KingRavi

Video Solution By ThePuzzlr

https://youtu.be/p9xNduqTKLM

~ MathIsChess

Solution by OmegaLearn Using Combinatorial Identities and Overcounting

https://youtu.be/gW8gPEEHSfU

~ pi_is_3.14

Solution

https://youtu.be/ZGqrs5eg6-s

~Steven Chen (Professor Chen Education Palace, www.professorchenedu.com)

See Also

2022 AMC 12A (ProblemsAnswer KeyResources)
Preceded by
Problem 18
Followed by
Problem 20
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25
All AMC 12 Problems and Solutions
2022 AMC 10A (ProblemsAnswer KeyResources)
Preceded by
Problem 21
Followed by
Problem 23
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25
All AMC 10 Problems and Solutions

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