Re:Ménage Problem
by mannerheim on Monday December 26, 2022 @08:01PM
(#34143717)
Article is unclear, but I assume solutions that differ from another by just a rotation are excluded?
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Re:Ménage Problem
by michaericalribo on Monday December 26, 2022 @08:37PM
(#34143956)
Actually, no. The number depends on the position at the table—rotations are distinct.
For 3 couples:
Mrs A must sit between Mr B and Mr C. Mr B can be on her left or her right, 2 possibilities. After those two seats are chosen, everyone else’s seat is determined.
But there are 6 places Mrs A might sit. Hence, for 3 couples there are 12=2x6 possible seatings, including rotations.
I don't believe so. I worked out the permutations for n = 3 and, accounting for rotations, you only get 2:
[0, 3, 4, 1, 2, 5]
[0, 5, 2, 1, 4, 3].
Of course, you get the expected answer of 12 if you multiply by 6.
It's doesn't really matter, the difference is trivial.