Problem

Source: Baltic Way 2021, Problem 6

Tags: combinatorics, combinatorics proposed



Let $n$ be a positive integer and $t$ be a non-zero real number. Let $a_1, a_2, \ldots, a_{2n-1}$ be real numbers (not necessarily distinct). Prove that there exist distinct indices $i_1, i_2, \ldots, i_n$ such that, for all $1 \le k, l \le n$, we have $a_{i_k} - a_{i_l} \neq t$.