MathDB

A. 816

Part of KoMaL A Problems 2021/2022

Problems(1)

Magnetic Cars

Source: KöMaL A. 816

3/23/2022
Peter has 20222022 pieces of magnetic railroad cars, which are of two types: some have the front with north and the rear with south magnetic polarity, and some have the rear with north and the rear with south magnetic polarity (on these railroad cars the front and the rear can be distinguished). Peter wants to decide whether there is the same number of both types of cars. He can try to fit together two cars in one try. What is the least number of tries needed?
Proposed by Dömötör Pálvölgyi, Budapest
komalcombinatorics