Let n 0 be an integer. We are given a balance and n weights of weight 20,
21, . . . , 2n−1. We are to place each of the n weights on the balance, one after another, in such a
way that the right pan is never heavier than the left pan. At each step we choose one of the weights
that has not yet been placed on the balance, and place it on either the left pan or the right pan,
until all of the weights have been placed.
Determine the number of ways in which this can be done.

Question

Let n > 0 be an integer. We are given a balance and n weights of weight 20,
21, . . . , 2n−1. We are to place each of the n weights on the balance, one after another, in such a
way that the right pan is never heavier than the left pan. At each step we choose one of the weights
that has not yet been placed on the balance, and place it on either the left pan or the right pan,
until all of the weights have been placed.
Determine the number of ways in which this can be done.