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The Pigeonhole Principle

In: Problem-Solving Methods in Combinatorics

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  • Pablo Soberón

    (University College London, Department of Mathematics)

Abstract

This chapter deals with several versions of the pigeonhole principle, mainly the classic version and the infinite version. It is shown how it can be used to solve olympiad problems. An introduction to Ramsey theory is presented, motivated by this principle. Also, two applications of the pigeonhole principle are shown. First, we present a proof of the Erdős-Szekeres theorem about monotone sequences. Then, we show a proof of a result in number theory by Fermat using this principle. Namely, we show how the pigeonhole principle can be used to prove that every prime number of the form 4k+1 can be written as the sum of two squares. At the end of the chapter, a list of 24 problems that can be solved with this technique.

Suggested Citation

  • Pablo Soberón, 2013. "The Pigeonhole Principle," Springer Books, in: Problem-Solving Methods in Combinatorics, edition 127, chapter 2, pages 17-26, Springer.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:sprchp:978-3-0348-0597-1_2
    DOI: 10.1007/978-3-0348-0597-1_2
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