Math problem

[noam_rion]

I came across an intriguing (if not overly complex) little math problem.

In essence, the idea is to determine the number of permutations of a set of integers, where the even numbers are not in their natural places.

Vocabulary:

• Integer: A number without a fractional or decimal part. (e.g. 2, 3, -7, 109, etc., but not 57.2 or 3.3333333...)
• Set: A

Comments

[mad_and_crazy]

Ah yes, the principle of inclusion/exclusion.

[noam_rion]

How succintly you condense my two pages to one sentence.

Ah, if only I had your eloquence.
(Or if only you had my talent for explaining things clearly... *ducks*)

No insult intended. I left you a phone message last week; did you get it? For getting together, I'm looking at next week now. I'm going to Vancouver for the weekend (leaving Thursday) and will be busy the two days until then. But it will happen!

[mad_and_crazy]

The best explanation of the PIE that I've gotten so far has been 'Don't count things more than you have to, because that's stupid.' That may have been our illustrious department head, I can't remember.

I did get it, but it's been sitting on my answering machine and saying, 'gosh, well, I should call Noam, y'know.' *sigh*

[hitchhiker]

'Don't count things more than you have to, because that's stupid.'

Count them just enough to be deranged (: