olymmath

ISL 2008 C4

  • Answer

Let nn and kk be fixed positive integers of the same parity, k≥nk \geq n. We are given 2n2 n lamps numbered 1 through 2n2 n; each of them can be on or off. At the beginning all lamps are off. We consider sequences of kk steps. At each step one of the lamps is switched (from off to on or from on to off). Let NN be the number of kk-step sequences ending in the state: lamps 1,…,n1, \ldots, n on, lamps n+1,…,2nn+1, \ldots, 2 n off. Let MM be the number of kk-step sequences leading to the same state and not touching lamps n+1,…,2nn+1, \ldots, 2 n at all. Find the ratio N/MN / M.

Official text Transcription from NuminaMath olympiads, checked word for word against the official paper. Quoted with source.

Official text: IMO 2008 Shortlist booklet, page 26.

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2^{k-n}

Solutions

Official solution Solution 1 by the IMO Problem Selection Committee

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