given a multiset (a set with repetitions allowed) of 2 n + 1 real numbers, say S =

Sappeycuii

Sappeycuii

Answered question

2022-05-14

given a multiset (a set with repetitions allowed) of 2 n + 1 real numbers, say S = { r 1 , , r 2 n + 1 }.
These numbers are such that for every k, the multiset S { r k } can be split into two multisets of size n each, such that the sum of numbers in one multiset is same as the sum of numbers in the other.
Show that all the numbers must be equal.( i.e. r i = r j )

Answer & Explanation

Cara Cannon

Cara Cannon

Beginner2022-05-15Added 14 answers

You can't avoid some sort of algebra, because the statement is false in a commutative group where n x = 0 has nontrivial solutions.
If you allow use of the linear algebra fact that rank is the same over any field containing the coefficients of the equations, it is enough to consider rational (and thus integer) solutions and extra structure is available. One can then avoid use of determinants or matrices:
If Σ is the sum of all elements, Σ r i is even and thus all ri have the same parity. We can replace each r i by ( r i r k ) / 2 and get a smaller solution, where r k is the smallest of the numbers. This process ends at the zero solution, and is reversible, so the original solution has all numbers equal.

Do you have a similar question?

Recalculate according to your conditions!

Ask your question.
Get an expert answer.

Let our experts help you. Answer in as fast as 15 minutes.

Didn't find what you were looking for?