Number of non negative integer solutions to this inequality

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the number of non-negative integer solutions to the inequality x1 + x2 + x3 + x4 + x5 < 11, with various conditions applied to the variables. The subject area includes combinatorial mathematics and inequalities.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to reformulate the inequality into an equivalent equation to apply combinatorial methods. They explore different cases based on restrictions on the variables, such as x1 > 3 and each xi < 3. Some participants question the assumptions made in the calculations, particularly regarding the conditions for x1.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the problem, providing feedback on the original poster's attempts and suggesting reconsideration of certain assumptions. There is a recognition of potential errors in the original calculations, particularly in the interpretation of the inequality and the application of combinatorial formulas.

Contextual Notes

There are discussions about the implications of introducing additional variables to handle the inequality and the constraints imposed by the problem statement. Some participants express uncertainty about the correct approach to part (iii) of the problem.

Woolyabyss
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Homework Statement


How many non-negative integer solutions are there to the equation
x1 + x2 + x3 + x4 + x5 < 11,
(i)if there are no restrictions?
(ii)How many solutions are there if x1 > 3?
(iii)How many solutions are there if each xi < 3?

Homework Equations


N/A

The Attempt at a Solution


(i) inequality equivalent to equality x1 + x2 + x3 + x4 + x5 + x6 = 10
(n+k-1)choose(k-1) = (10+6-1)choose(6-1) = 3003

(ii) if x1 > 3 ------------> x2 + x3 + x4 + x5 < 8
equality equivalent x2 + x3 + x4 + x5 +x6 = 7
again (7+5-1)choose(4) = 330

(iii)
Its this part I'm not certain about

like in (ii) let x1 instead be > 3 we find 7+5-1)choose(4) = 330

now let x1 and x2 be > 3
we find x3 + x4 + x5 < 5
----> x3 + x4 + x5 +x6 = 4
(4+4-1)choose(4-1) =35

finally let x1,x2 and x3 >3
then x4 +x5 <2
equality x4 + x5 + x6 =1
(1+3-1)choose(2) = 3

answer: 3003 - 35 - 330 - 3 = 2635

any help would be appreciated.
 
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You made a small error in (ii). If x1>3 then x1>=?
(iii) is actually the easiest of the questions. If every term is under 3, and there are only 5 terms...
 
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haruspex said:
You made a small error in (ii). If x1>3 then x1>=?
(iii) is actually the easiest of the questions. If every term is under 3, and there are only 5 terms...

is this correct?
(ii)
If x1>3 then x1 >= 4
if x1 >= 4 ------------> x2 + x3 + x4 + x5 < 7
equality equivalent x2 + x3 + x4 + x5 + x6 = 6
(6+5-1)choose(5-1)
(iii) since xi < 3
each term can be 0,1 or 2
so 3^5
 
Woolyabyss said:
is this correct?
(ii)
If x1>3 then x1 >= 4
if x1 >= 4 ------------> x2 + x3 + x4 + x5 < 7
equality equivalent x2 + x3 + x4 + x5 + x6 = 6
(6+5-1)choose(5-1)
(iii) since xi < 3
each term can be 0,1 or 2
so 3^5
Looks right to me.
 
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Woolyabyss said:

Homework Statement


How many non-negative integer solutions are there to the equation
x1 + x2 + x3 + x4 + x5 < 11,
(i)if there are no restrictions?
(ii)How many solutions are there if x1 > 3?
(iii)How many solutions are there if each xi < 3?

Homework Equations


N/A

The Attempt at a Solution


(i) inequality equivalent to equality x1 + x2 + x3 + x4 + x5 + x6 = 10
(n+k-1)choose(k-1) = (10+6-1)choose(6-1) = 3003

(ii) if x1 > 3 ------------> x2 + x3 + x4 + x5 < 8
equality equivalent x2 + x3 + x4 + x5 +x6 = 7
again (7+5-1)choose(4) = 330

(iii)
Its this part I'm not certain about

like in (ii) let x1 instead be > 3 we find 7+5-1)choose(4) = 330

now let x1 and x2 be > 3
we find x3 + x4 + x5 < 5
----> x3 + x4 + x5 +x6 = 4
(4+4-1)choose(4-1) =35

finally let x1,x2 and x3 >3
then x4 +x5 <2
equality x4 + x5 + x6 =1
(1+3-1)choose(2) = 3

answer: 3003 - 35 - 330 - 3 = 2635

any help would be appreciated.

You have part (i) wrong: the totality of non-negative integer solutions to ##x_1+x_2+x_3+x_4+x_5 < 11## is all the solutions to ##\sum x_i = 0## plus all the solutions to ##\sum x_i = 1##, plus ... plus all the solutions to ##\sum x_i = 9## plus all the solutions to ##\sum x_i = 10##. These all have sums < 11, as requested.

The solutions to other parts will be similarly affected.
 
Ray Vickson said:
You have part (i) wrong: the totality of non-negative integer solutions to ##x_1+x_2+x_3+x_4+x_5 < 11## is all the solutions to ##\sum x_i = 0## plus all the solutions to ##\sum x_i = 1##, plus ... plus all the solutions to ##\sum x_i = 9## plus all the solutions to ##\sum x_i = 10##.
Did the trick of introducing a sixth unknown to take up the slack not resolve that?
 
haruspex said:
Did the trick of introducing a sixth unknown to take up the slack not resolve that?

Yes, it does, but I missed that!
 

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