Difficult Math Problem Based on Inversions Hard Fun HELP

  • Thread starter Thread starter katek8k8
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Fun Hard
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the number of inversions in a sequence of integers, specifically the integers 4, 8, 7, and 5. Initially, there are 38 inversions with the sixth smallest integer in the first position. When this integer is moved to the last position, the number of inversions increases to 47 due to the introduction of new inversions from the remaining integers. The analysis confirms that moving the sixth smallest integer eliminates 5 inversions but creates 14 new ones, resulting in a net increase of 9 inversions.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the concept of inversions in sequences
  • Basic knowledge of integer ordering and comparisons
  • Familiarity with combinatorial mathematics
  • Ability to analyze and manipulate sequences of numbers
NEXT STEPS
  • Study combinatorial algorithms for counting inversions in arrays
  • Learn about sorting algorithms and their relation to inversions
  • Explore the concept of permutations and their properties
  • Investigate advanced topics in discrete mathematics related to sequences
USEFUL FOR

Students studying discrete mathematics, mathematicians interested in combinatorial problems, and anyone looking to deepen their understanding of integer sequences and inversions.

katek8k8
Messages
3
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


Given integers 4, 8, 7, 5. An inversion occurs when one integer is larger than an integer that follows it; thus, in the above arrangement there are two inversions due to 8 and one due to 7 or three inversions in all. There are twenty distinct possible integers arranged in some order with the sixth smallest in the first position. The number of inversions in this arrangement in 38. If the first integer is now moved to the last position, how many inversions are there in the new arrangement?



The Attempt at a Solution


Well if there are 38 inversions, and the sixth smallest number is first, that means there has to be 15 inversions following it in the pattern that would be eliminated by 5 if it were to move to the end of the list of numbers. That leads us to 33 inversions, but the problem still isn't complete.
Someone help PLEASE?
:)
 
Physics news on Phys.org
If the sixth smallest number is first in the list, then there are 5 inversions due to that number being first in the list. By moving it to the end, we eliminate those 5 inversions. But by moving it to the end, we introduce 14 new inversions, caused by the 7th-20th hands having new inversions. So by moving this number to the right, we have created a net of nine new inversions. Nothing else changes, so our new number of inversions is 47.
 
thank you SO much! that makes a lot of sense. i really appreciate it
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 33 ·
2
Replies
33
Views
5K
Replies
39
Views
6K
  • · Replies 69 ·
3
Replies
69
Views
9K
Replies
3
Views
5K
  • · Replies 25 ·
Replies
25
Views
5K
Replies
2
Views
6K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K