Friday, January 27, 2012

We cut 2 corner squares of an8X8 checkerboard.Can this new board exactly be covered by 31 dominoes 2X1 each?

The dominoes cannot be cut.I need to solve this problem for my College Geometry homework. I know the answer is no, but I need to understand why. Any math teachers out there who can help me out?We cut 2 corner squares of an8X8 checkerboard.Can this new board exactly be covered by 31 dominoes 2X1 each?
This is a classic problem. Here's a big hint: How many white squares does a domino cover when it's aligned to the squares?





Now, how many white squares do 31 dominos cover?We cut 2 corner squares of an8X8 checkerboard.Can this new board exactly be covered by 31 dominoes 2X1 each?
But of course. If each domino covers a black and a white square, 31 dominoes will cover 31 white squares. We only have 30 white squares, so it is not possible. Thank you for letting me figure it out instead of just telling me the answer.

Report Abuse

We cut 2 corner squares of an8X8 checkerboard.Can this new board exactly be covered by 31 dominoes 2X1 each?
When you say cut 2 corner squares, are you saying that you cut two 1X1 squares, or any size? If you cut two 1X1 squares, 31 dominoes can be fit in with no space left. Btw I'll edit this answer again after you tell me so I can answer your question. I'm working on it now.

No comments:

Post a Comment