Combinatorics problem. Discrete Mathematics II

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the number of different ways to schedule matches in a table tennis tournament with 8 participants, adhering to specific rules. The calculation begins with the first round, where the total combinations are determined using the formula $$\frac{8!}{2^4 \cdot 4!}$$, resulting in 105 unique match combinations. The rules dictate that each player competes against every other player exactly once, and the pairing constraints must be respected in subsequent rounds. Further exploration of the second round's scheduling is suggested.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of combinatorial mathematics
  • Familiarity with factorial notation and operations
  • Knowledge of tournament scheduling principles
  • Basic grasp of discrete mathematics concepts
NEXT STEPS
  • Explore advanced combinatorial techniques for tournament scheduling
  • Learn about graph theory applications in match pairing
  • Investigate the use of recursive algorithms for scheduling problems
  • Study the implications of tournament rules on scheduling flexibility
USEFUL FOR

Mathematicians, educators, and students in discrete mathematics, particularly those interested in combinatorial problems and tournament scheduling methodologies.

Mei1
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There is a table tennis tournament consisted of 8 participants that is guided by the following rules:

1. Each player plays with every other player for exactly one party
2. If in the i-round there was a party between A and B and a party between C and D, and A and C play In i+1, then in i+1 round B and D have to play too.

In how many different ways can a schedule for all rounds be made, not giving importance to the table on which each player plays?
 
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Hello and welcome to MHB, Mei! :D

We ask that our users show their progress (work thus far or thoughts on how to begin) when posting questions. This way our helpers can see where you are stuck or may be going astray and will be able to post the best help possible without potentially making a suggestion which you have already tried, which would waste your time and that of the helper.

Can you post what you have done so far?

A similar post was made http://mathhelpboards.com/advanced-probability-statistics-19/combinations-problem-18376.html.
 
Last edited:
Mei said:
There is a table tennis tournament consisted of 8 participants that is guided by the following rules:

1. Each player plays with every other player for exactly one party
2. If in the i-round there was a party between A and B and a party between C and D, and A and C play In i+1, then in i+1 round B and D have to play too.

In how many different ways can a schedule for all rounds be made, not giving importance to the table on which each player plays?
Hi Mei! Welcome to MHB! (Smile)

Let's start with the first round.
We can order the contestants in $8!$ ways.
Since (A,B) is the same game as (B,A), which applies to each pair, we should divide by $2^4$.
Then, since the table it not important, we should also divide by $4!$.
So the number of possible combinations for the first round is:
$$\frac{8!}{2^4 \cdot 4!} = 105$$

Hmm... how about the second round? (Wondering)
 

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