Let $n > 10$ be an odd integer. Determine the number of ways to place the numbers $1, 2, \ldots , n$ around a circle so that each number in the circle divides the sum its two neighbors. (Two configurations such that one can be obtained from the other per rotation are to be counted only once.)
Problem
Source: 2018 Brazil Ibero TST P3
Tags: combinatorics, counting, number theory, Divisibility
polishedhardwoodtable
02.07.2023 04:44
We claim the answer is 4. First we show the following claim:
Claim: If we have a configuration of numbers 1 through n that works, then removing n leaves a configuration of 1 through n-1 that works.
Proof: Focus on the portion of the circle where n is, and the 2 numbers in either side:
a b n c d
Clearly b+c<2n so b+c=n. Note that b|a+n and c|d+n. When we remove n the only 2 new things we need to check to see if the new configuration works is b|a+c and c|b+d. But clearly these are true as b|a+n-b=a+c and similarly c|d+n-c=d+b.
Corollary: all n configurations that work can be formed by adding n to an n-1 configuration that works.
This inspires us to use induction. By bashing the n=5 case it is easy to see 12345 12534 and the reverse orders are the only solutions. Now, we claim this:
Claim: For all even n at least 6 the only solution is 1 through n in order and reverse, for all odd n at least 5 the only solution is 1 through n in order and 1 through (n-1)/2, n, then (n+1)/2 through n-1, and reverses.
Proof: note we must always insert n in between the numbers that sum to n for it to still work. Assume we showed this claim for all n up to k-1, now we show it for k. First, if k is even, then it is easy to check from a parity case that the only solution is 1 through k. And if k is odd, there are obviously exactly two spots to insert k, with its adjacent entries summing to k, which both work.
So clearly for all odd n at least 11 the answer is 4.
thewizard369
02.07.2023 20:18
Nice problem