Problem

Source: IMO ShortList 1988, Problem 8, France 3, Problem 11 of ILL

Tags: vector, algebra, combinatorics, combinatorial geometry, Inequality, IMO Shortlist



Let $ u_1, u_2, \ldots, u_m$ be $ m$ vectors in the plane, each of length $ \leq 1,$ with zero sum. Show that one can arrange $ u_1, u_2, \ldots, u_m$ as a sequence $ v_1, v_2, \ldots, v_m$ such that each partial sum $ v_1, v_1 + v_2, v_1 + v_2 + v_3, \ldots, v_1, v_2, \ldots, v_m$ has length less than or equal to $ \sqrt {5}.$