A bunch of Apples

Why can't I submit a solution to this problem?

#Combinatorics

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`2 \times 3`	$2 \times 3$
`2^{34}`	$2^{34}$
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Comments

Why can't I submit a solution to this problem?

Guiseppi Butel - 6 years, 4 months ago

Did you solve the problem correctly? You can only submit a solution if you have answered the question. If you have a solution but did not get the answer the asker of the question intended, then the best course of action is to report the problem and give your solution and answer there. I have issues with this question, as it does not specify whether the pieces must all be of the same size and shape or not. I've made two attempts and I am considering disputing the problem to ask for clarification, but if I do so I won't get to use my third attempt.

If they must all be the same size and shape, then my thought was that each of the $221$ apples must be divided into $31$ congruent slices, and then $17$ of these slices are distributed to each of the $403$ students. This would make for $6851$ slices, which was considered incorrect. I then tried $31$ , thinking that perhaps we were being asked for the number of slices per apple. No luck there, either, at which I've just been waiting for either a new idea to pop into my head or to dispute the problem for lack of clarity. What are your thoughts?

Edit: O.k., I just checked the list of solvers and I don't see your icon, so it looks like we're in the same predicament.

Brian Charlesworth - 6 years, 4 months ago

If you email me the report, I can report it for you directly.

I believe that the slices do not need to be the same size. There are at least 221 slices, since there are 221 apples. In fact, since each student must receive at least one slice, there are at least 403 slices.

Calvin Lin Staff - 6 years, 4 months ago

@Calvin Lin – O.k., thanks. I tried $31$ thinking that the asker could have been looking for the number of slices per apple. However, if the slices do not need to be the same size then I'll have to rethink the problem.

Brian Charlesworth - 6 years, 4 months ago

I did not solve it correctly, but after seeing the answer I found the error of my thinking and now I have the solution.

Guiseppi Butel - 6 years, 4 months ago

@Guiseppi Butel – Ok., thanks, Guiseppi. If it's just the mass that needs to be the same then that makes for quite a different problem. I'll have to be careful with my next attempt since I only have one left. I was starting to think creatively and wondered if one could just cook the apples until they can be mashed up and then ladle out 403 servings, giving a minimum of $0$ cuts. Probably not what the asker had in mind, though. :)

Brian Charlesworth - 6 years, 4 months ago

The mass of the apple per person must be equal. The answer is greater than 600.

Guiseppi Butel - 6 years, 4 months ago

I do not see that you answered the question correctly -

If you want to submit a solution, you can email it to me and I can upload it for you.

Calvin Lin Staff - 6 years, 4 months ago

What's your email address?

Guiseppi Butel - 6 years, 4 months ago

@Guiseppi Butel – [email protected]

Calvin Lin Staff - 6 years, 4 months ago

Could anyone explain the rationale behind prohibiting a person from submitting a solution if he/she hasn't given the correct answer?

On doing some research, ie Google, I discovered the answer. However the solution was not posted.

If those that gave the correct answer won't post a solution then the method of obtaining their answer is suspect.

Guiseppi Butel - 6 years, 4 months ago

We restricted solution writing to only allow those who correctly answered the problem, to greatly increase the chance that the submitted solution will be correct and reflective of how to approach the problem. This helps us maintain the quality and integrity of the solution discussions, instead of just flooding it with "What's the solution" type of comments.

I understand that we will miss out in a few scenarios where you were able to solve the problem after the fact. In such a situation, please email or @mention me, and I will help you upload your solution.

Calvin Lin Staff - 6 years, 4 months ago

I have had similar problem with Quadratic Sum mini algebra. I cannot submit a solution but I did answer the question correctly. After closing the question for the first time I was unable to type in a solution.

Jason Hughes - 6 years, 4 months ago

@Jason Hughes (Breaking off to a new thread as your comment is tangential)

What happened in your scenario is that you deleted the solution 1 minute after posting it. We only allow people to submit 1 solution per problem, which means that if you chose to delete your solution, then you will be unable to post another.

I have undeleted the solution, and it now appears. You can edit your comment into your solution.

Calvin Lin Staff - 6 years, 4 months ago

Math	Appears as
Remember to wrap math in `\(` ... `\)` or `\[` ... `\]` to ensure proper formatting.
`2 \times 3`	$2 \times 3$
`2^{34}`	$2^{34}$
`a_{i-1}`	$a_{i-1}$
`\frac{2}{3}`	$\frac{2}{3}$
`\sqrt{2}`	$\sqrt{2}$
`\sum_{i=1}^3`	$\sum_{i=1}^3$
`\sin \theta`	$\sin \theta$
`\boxed{123}`	$\boxed{123}$