Counting Possible Distributions of Identical Pencils Among Four Students

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The problem involves distributing 25 identical pencils among four students with specific constraints: Ahmed and Dieter must receive at least one pencil each, Carlos can receive no more than five pencils, and Barbara must receive at least four pencils. The equation to solve is x_1 + x_2 + x_3 + x_4 = 25, with the given inequalities. The user initially considered using generating functions to find the solution and later confirmed that the correct answer is 980 after reevaluating their approach. The discussion highlights the importance of correctly applying combinatorial methods to solve distribution problems. The user plans to share their complete solution later.
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Homework Statement


Suppose that a teacher wishes to distribute 25 identical pencils to Ahmed, Bar-
bara, Carlos, and Dieter such that Ahmed and Dieter receive at least one pencil
each, Carlos receives no more than five pencils, and Barbara receives at least four
pencils. In how many ways can such a distribution be made?

Or, in other words, find integer solutions to x_1 + x_2 +x_3+x_4=25, x_1>0, x_2>0, x_3\le5, x_4\ge4

Please let me know if i made any silly errors, but I'm more concerned that I made a fundamental error in the logic of this problem. Thanks!
The first inequality is

Homework Equations



The number of integer solutions to the equation x_1 + x_2 + x_3 \ldots x_n = C, x_i>0 is C-1\choose n-1.

The Attempt at a Solution



EDIT: got the solution
 
Last edited:
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I would use generating functions.

Expand (x+x^2+...+x^25)*(x+x^2+...+x^25)*(1+x+x^2+x^3+x^4+x^5)*(x^4+x^5+...x^25) and find the coefficient of x^25.

I'll do it on Maple and see what I get.
 
I'm getting 980.
 
looking it over again my attempt at a solution is all backwards =/
 
Tada! I'm getting 980 after looking it over as well, don't know what I was thinking when I first attempted the solution. Thanks for your responses, I'll post my solution when I have more time.
 
Question: A clock's minute hand has length 4 and its hour hand has length 3. What is the distance between the tips at the moment when it is increasing most rapidly?(Putnam Exam Question) Answer: Making assumption that both the hands moves at constant angular velocities, the answer is ## \sqrt{7} .## But don't you think this assumption is somewhat doubtful and wrong?

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