Tricky Math Problems: Solving Square and Rectangle Challenges

  • Thread starter katek8k8
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In summary, for the first problem, we are given a 5 by 5 square with numbers 1 through 25 in sequence, and we must pick five numbers so that no two are in the same row or column, and then find their sum. This sum is constant for any five numbers chosen in this way. For the second problem, we have a rectangle with opposite vertices at (5,6) and (3,0), and the other two vertices lie on the line y=3 with positive x coordinates. We must find the coordinates of these two vertices using equations involving abscissas (x coordinates).
  • #1
katek8k8
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Homework Statement


1. Given a 5 by 5 square with the numbers 1,2,3,4,...,25 in sequence in the successive rows. Pick out five numbers so that no two of them are in the same row or same column. What is their sum? Prove that this sum is constant for any five numbers chosen this way.



2. The points A(5,6) and C(3,0) are opposite vertices of rectangle ABCD. The other two vertices B and D, lie on the line y=3, with B having a positive abscissa. Find the coordinates of vertices B and D.



Homework Equations


First problem uses addition.

Second problem uses an equation having to do with abscissas?
 
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  • #2
katek8k8 said:

Homework Statement


1. Given a 5 by 5 square with the numbers 1,2,3,4,...,25 in sequence in the successive rows. Pick out five numbers so that no two of them are in the same row or same column. What is their sum? Prove that this sum is constant for any five numbers chosen this way.



2. The points A(5,6) and C(3,0) are opposite vertices of rectangle ABCD. The other two vertices B and D, lie on the line y=3, with B having a positive abscissa. Find the coordinates of vertices B and D.



Homework Equations


First problem uses addition.

Second problem uses an equation having to do with abscissas?
For 2, abscissa just means x coordinate here. For the unknown points B and D, the y coordinate is 3 for each. From the given information, the sides of the rectangle aren't parallel to either axis.

In a rectangle, the diagonals are equal in length, and the adjacent sides have to be perpendicular. Use these facts to get equations that involve the unknown x coordinates.
 
  • #3
For 1, the numbers 1, 2, 3, ..., 24, 25 are laid out in order, in the rows of the 5 x 5 matrix. Each number can be associated with its row (rows 0 through 4) and column (columns 1 through 5) with this formula: num = 5 * row number + col number. For example, 17 is in row 3, column 2, and 17 = 5 * 3 + 2.

Pick five numbers from the array and add them.
Total =
5 * row(i1) + col(j1) +
5 * row(i2) + col(j2) +
5 * row(i3) + col(j3) +
5 * row(i4) + col(j4) +
5 * row(i5) + col(j5)

If you pick the numbers according to the instructions in this problem, what do you get for the sum?
 

1. What are the two tricky math problems?

The two tricky math problems are the Monty Hall problem and the Birthday Paradox.

2. What is the Monty Hall problem?

The Monty Hall problem is a probability puzzle named after the host of the game show "Let's Make a Deal". It involves choosing one of three doors and then switching to another door after one of the remaining doors is revealed to be empty. The problem asks whether it is better to stick with the original choice or switch to the other remaining door.

3. What is the Birthday Paradox?

The Birthday Paradox is a probability problem that asks how many people are needed in a room for there to be a 50% chance that two people in the room have the same birthday. The answer may be surprising to many, as it only takes 23 people for there to be a 50% chance of a shared birthday.

4. Why are these math problems considered tricky?

These math problems are considered tricky because the answers are counterintuitive and go against common sense. In the Monty Hall problem, switching doors seems illogical, but it actually increases the chances of winning. In the Birthday Paradox, the number of people needed for a 50% chance of a shared birthday is much lower than most people expect.

5. How are these math problems relevant to real life?

These math problems demonstrate the importance of understanding probability and how it can be counterintuitive. In real life, we often make decisions based on our intuition, but these problems show that sometimes our intuition can be wrong. By understanding these tricky math problems, we can make more informed and logical decisions in various situations.

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