Proof and Example, Constructing an Example / Counterexample

This involves finding a specific instance that satisfies a given set of conditions (an example) or one that disproves a general statement (a counterexample). It's a crucial skill for understanding mathematical claims. Questions directly ask for such constructions.

• Question

  A plane is colored with two colors (that is, every point on the plane is colored with one of these two colors). Prove that there exist two points on the plane at a distance of `1` such that they are both the same color.

  Topics:

  Combinatorics -> Pigeonhole Principle Combinatorics -> Combinatorial Geometry Geometry -> Plane Geometry -> Triangles Proof and Example -> Constructing an Example / Counterexample Proof and Example -> Proof by Contradiction

• Question

  Is there a quadrilateral that can be cut into `6` parts by two straight cuts? Justify your answer or provide an example.

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  Topics:

  Geometry -> Plane Geometry Proof and Example -> Constructing an Example / Counterexample Combinatorics -> Combinatorial Geometry -> Cut a Shape / Dissection Problems

• 9 Kilograms of Rice

  You have `9` kilograms of rice. How can you measure `2` kilograms of rice using three weighings on a balance scale and using two weights: one of `200` grams and one of `50` grams?

  Topics:

  Proof and Example -> Constructing an Example / Counterexample Algorithm Theory -> Weighing

• Frame

  On a grid paper, a square of size `NxxN` is given. Consider its frame with a width of one square. It consists of `4*(N-1)` squares.

  Can you write `4*(N-1)` consecutive integers (not necessarily positive) in the squares of the frame, such that the following condition holds:

  For every rectangle whose vertices are on the frame and whose sides are parallel to the diagonals of the original square, the sum of the numbers at the vertices is equal to a constant value. This also includes the "degenerate" rectangles of zero width that coincide with the diagonals of the square - in this case, simply sum the two numbers at the opposite vertices of the square.

  For:

  a. `N=3`

  b. `N=4`

  c. `N=5`

  

  Topics:

  Arithmetic Number Theory -> Division -> Parity (Even/Odd) Proof and Example -> Constructing an Example / Counterexample Algebra -> Sequences -> Arithmetic Progression / Arithmetic Sequence Combinatorics -> Case Analysis / Checking Cases -> Processes / Procedures
  Sources:
  • Tournament of Towns, 1983-1984, Fall, Practice Version, Grades 9-10 Question 3 Points 2+3+4

• Question

  A. You have a large jug of 12 liters of olive oil and two empty smaller vessels, one of 5 liters and one of 8 liters. Can you divide the oil you have into two equal parts, if you only have these vessels and no additional measuring tools?

  B. The same question, but instead of the 5-liter vessel, you have a 4-liter vessel.

  Topics:

  Number Theory -> Modular Arithmetic / Remainder Arithmetic -> Divisibility Rules Combinatorics -> Invariants Logic -> Reasoning / Logic Number Theory -> Division -> Parity (Even/Odd) Proof and Example -> Constructing an Example / Counterexample Number Theory -> Greatest Common Divisor (GCD) and Least Common Multiple (LCM) -> Euclidean Algorithm Combinatorics -> Case Analysis / Checking Cases -> Processes / Procedures Proof and Example -> Proof by Contradiction

• Question

  `120` identical spheres are arranged in the shape of a triangular pyramid. How many layers are there in the pyramid?

  Note: This is a pyramid, which is a three-dimensional shape, and not a triangle in a plane.

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  Topics:

  Geometry -> Solid Geometry / Geometry in Space Arithmetic Logic -> Reasoning / Logic Proof and Example -> Constructing an Example / Counterexample Algebra -> Sequences -> Arithmetic Progression / Arithmetic Sequence Algebra -> Sequences -> Complete/Continue the Sequence Number Theory -> Triangular Numbers

• Question

  What is the maximum number of chess kings that can be placed on an `8xx8` board such that they do not threaten each other?

  Topics:

  Combinatorics -> Pigeonhole Principle Proof and Example -> Constructing an Example / Counterexample Combinatorics -> Case Analysis / Checking Cases -> Processes / Procedures Minimum and Maximum Problems / Optimization Problems Combinatorics -> Combinatorial Geometry -> Grid Paper Geometry / Lattice Geometry

• Question

  What is the maximum number of rooks that can be placed on an `8xx8` board so that they do not threaten each other?

  Topics:

  Combinatorics -> Pigeonhole Principle Logic -> Reasoning / Logic Proof and Example -> Constructing an Example / Counterexample Minimum and Maximum Problems / Optimization Problems

• Question

  Shlomi has a flat box with a size of `5xx5` centimeters. Shlomi claims that any rectangle that can be stored in this box must have all its sides smaller than 5 centimeters. Is he right?

  Topics:

  Proof and Example -> Constructing an Example / Counterexample Geometry -> Plane Geometry -> Pythagorean Theorem

• Question

  In the magical land, there are only two types of coins: `16` LC (Magical Pounds) and `27` LC. Is it possible to buy a notebook that costs one Magical Pound and receive exact change?

  Topics:

  Proof and Example -> Constructing an Example / Counterexample Number Theory -> Greatest Common Divisor (GCD) and Least Common Multiple (LCM) -> Euclidean Algorithm Number Theory -> Division Algebra -> Equations -> Diophantine Equations