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The road to solving a combinatorial problem is strewn with pitfalls

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Abstract

In this paper we examine typical difficulties involved in solving a combinatorial problem, and demonstrate them throughout the solution of the “Problem of the misaddressed letters”. We focus on difficulties of two sorts: Those which stem from the fact that a combinatorial problem is usually an infinite set of problems, and others which are involved in finding a systematic approach to their solution.

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References

  • DorrieH.: 1965, 100 Great Problems of Elementary Mathematics: Their History and Solution, Dover, London, pp. 19–21.

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Hadar, N., Hadass, R. The road to solving a combinatorial problem is strewn with pitfalls. Educ Stud Math 12, 435–443 (1981). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00308141

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