A Small Subset of the Reals

Monet Let {qn} be an enumeration of the rationals, and for each n, let Un be an open interval of length 1/2n centered at qn. Denote the union of all Un by U. Then U is a dense open . . . [Read More]

A Dinner Party Problem

Figure 1This is a classic introductory result in combinatorics. Suppose that six people are gathered at a dinner party. Then there is a group of three people at the party who are either all mutual acquaintances or all mutual strangers.

To formalize . . . [Read More]

An Equation With Squares

Let k ≥ 0, and let n = k(2k + 1). Then we have:

n2 + (n+1)2 + … + (n+k)2 = (n+k+1)2 + … + (n+2k)2.

For example,
02 = 0,
32 + 42 = 52,
102 + 112 + 122 = 132 + 142,
212 + 222 + 232 + 242 = 252 . . . [Read More]