Probability of No Encounter Between Crawling Ants on a Polyhedron

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the probability of no encounters between ants crawling on the vertices of polyhedra. Participants explore the scenario where ants at the vertices move along the edges of various polyhedra, considering the implications of their movement choices on encounters.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant calculates the probability of no encounters for ants on a triangle, concluding it to be 2/8 based on the movement directions of the ants.
  • The same participant extends the question to polyhedra, asking for the probability of no encounters when ants move along the edges.
  • Another participant questions the absence of specific polyhedra in the discussion, implying that the problem lacks necessary details.
  • A third participant expresses skepticism about the nature of the question, suggesting it resembles a homework problem.
  • There is a comment in a different language that appears to criticize another participant for not providing an answer and for speaking without knowledge.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the specifics of the polyhedra or the nature of the question, with some expressing doubts about its homework-like quality and others seeking clarification on the problem's parameters.

Contextual Notes

The discussion lacks specific examples of polyhedra and does not clarify the assumptions regarding the ants' movement or the conditions for encounters.

young e.
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Suppose there are ants at each vertex of a triangle and they all simultaneously crawl along a side of the triangle to the next vertex. The probability that no two ants will encounter one another is 2/8, since the only two cases in which no encounter occurs is when all the ants go left, i.e., clockwise -- LLL -- or all go right, i.e., counterclockwise -- RRR. In the six other cases -- RRL, RLR, RLL, LLR, LRL, and LRR -- an encounter occurs. Now suppose that, analogously, there is an ant at each vertex of a polyhedron and that the ants all simultaneously move along one edge of the polyhedron to the next vertex, each ant choosing its path randomly. For each of the following polyhedra, what is the probability that no two ants will encounter one another, either en route or at the next vertex? Express your answer reduced to lowest common denominators, e.g., 2/8 must be reduced to 1/4.
:confused:
 
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"Express your answer reduced to lowest common denominators, e.g., 2/8 must be reduced to 1/4" sounds like homework...
 
Where are the polyhedra?
 
EnumaElish said:
"Express your answer reduced to lowest common denominators, e.g., 2/8 must be reduced to 1/4" sounds like homework...


taka ra man ka... ingna lang gud nga dili ka ka answer,, ayaw sige ug pataka ug storya...
 

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