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2 counting problems

Posted: Wed Aug 30, 2006 6:58 am
by taskin
1. there is a convex polygon of size n (may not be regular). what is the maximum number of regions created inside it by all its diagonals. for example if n = 3 then region = 1 and n = 4 then region = 4.

2. there are n circles. what is the maximum number of regions created by their intersection. e.g. if n = 2, region = 3, n = 3 then region = 7.

can anyone describe some way to find these?

Re: 2 counting problems

Posted: Wed Aug 30, 2006 9:20 am
by Martin Macko
taskin wrote:2. there are n circles. what is the maximum number of regions created by their intersection. e.g. if n = 2, region = 3, n = 3 then region = 7.
See Sloane's A002061. (The formula is f(n + 1) = 2n + f(n).)

Re: 2 counting problems

Posted: Wed Aug 30, 2006 9:34 am
by Martin Macko
taskin wrote:1. there is a convex polygon of size n (may not be regular). what is the maximum number of regions created inside it by all its diagonals. for example if n = 3 then region = 1 and n = 4 then region = 4.
It's similar to the problem 10213. Here you can find some hints:Or see Sloane's A006522.