MathDB
3n x 3n table with interesting coloring

Source: Azerbaijan 2022 JBMO TST C4

July 5, 2022
combinatoricsAzerbaijanJuniorJBMOJBMO TSTJunior Balkantable

Problem Statement

nn is a natural number. Given 3n3n3n \cdot 3n table, the unit cells are colored white and black such that starting from the left up corner diagonals are colored in pure white or black in ratio of 2:1 respectively. ( See the picture below). In one step any chosen 222 \cdot 2 square's white cells are colored orange, orange are colored black and black are colored white. Find all nn such that with finite steps, all the white cells in the table turns to black, and all black cells in the table turns to white. ( From starting point)