How Many Final Points Can Be Reached in a Ten-Step Lattice Walk?

  • MHB
  • Thread starter anemone
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In summary, POTW #432: Lattice Point Movement is a mathematical problem that involves finding the number of unique paths a particle can take on a lattice grid, starting from one point and moving only in a specific set of directions. The goal is to determine the total number of unique paths, and it is typically solved using mathematical formulas and algorithms. This problem has applications in various fields and there is a specific solution, although it may vary based on the parameters and desired outcome.
  • #1
anemone
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Here is this week's POTW:

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An object in the plane moves from one lattice point to another. At each step, the object may move one unit to the right, one unit to the left, one unit up, or one unit down. If the object starts at the origin and takes a ten-step path, how many different points could be the final point?

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  • #2
No one answered last week's POTW. (Sadface) However, you can find the suggested solution as follows:
Each step changes either the $x$-coordinate or the $y$-coordinate of the object by 1. Thus if the object’s final point is $(a,\,b)$, then $a+b$ is even and $|a|+|b|\le10$. Conversely, suppose that $(a,\,b)$ is a lattice point with $|a|+|b|= 2k\le10$. One ten-step path that ends at $(a,\,b)$ begins with $|a|$ horizontal steps, to the right if $a\ge 0$ and to the left if $a <0$. It continues with $|b|$ vertical steps, up if $b\ge 0$ and down if $b <0$. It has then reached $(a,\,b)$ in 2k steps, so it can finish with 5−k steps up and 5−k steps down. Thus the possible final points are the lattice points that have even coordinate sums and lie on or inside the squarewith vertices $(\pm10,0)$ and $(0,\pm 10)$. There are 11 such points on each of the 11 lines $x+y= 2k$, $−5\le k \le 5$, for a total of 121 different points.
 

FAQ: How Many Final Points Can Be Reached in a Ten-Step Lattice Walk?

1. What is a lattice point movement?

A lattice point movement is a mathematical concept where a point is moved from one position to another on a lattice, which is a regular grid of points. This movement can be in any direction, such as up, down, left, or right.

2. What is the purpose of POTW #432: Lattice Point Movement?

The purpose of POTW #432: Lattice Point Movement is to challenge individuals to use their mathematical skills and problem-solving abilities to find the solution to a specific lattice point movement problem.

3. How is POTW #432: Lattice Point Movement solved?

POTW #432: Lattice Point Movement can be solved by using various mathematical techniques, such as coordinate geometry, algebra, and trigonometry. The specific solution will depend on the given problem and the approach used by the solver.

4. Can POTW #432: Lattice Point Movement be solved using programming?

Yes, POTW #432: Lattice Point Movement can be solved using programming. Many programming languages have built-in functions and libraries that can be used to solve mathematical problems, including lattice point movement problems.

5. Is there only one solution to POTW #432: Lattice Point Movement?

No, there can be multiple solutions to POTW #432: Lattice Point Movement, depending on the given problem and the approach used to solve it. Some problems may have unique solutions, while others may have multiple possible solutions.

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