Problem

Source: China TST 1991, problem 2

Tags: combinatorics unsolved, combinatorics



For $i = 1,2, \ldots, 1991$, we choose $n_i$ points and write number $i$ on them (each point has only written one number on it). A set of chords are drawn such that: (i) They are pairwise non-intersecting. (ii) The endpoints of each chord have distinct numbers. If for all possible assignments of numbers the operation can always be done, find the necessary and sufficient condition the numbers $n_1, n_2, \ldots, n_{1991}$ must satisfy for this to be possible.