Question

Can someone help me?

Your sock drawer has 10 blue socks, 16 red socks, and 12 white socks. If you reach into the drawer in the dark, how many socks do you need to pull out to be sure you have a matching pair?

I can't figure out.

Answer 1

the worst case scenario is that you pull out a sock of each color (blue, red, white, in any order)

so that's 3 socks so far and none of them match

Answer 2

Well after 3 socks, the 4th would have to match one of the first 3.... :)

Answer 3

the next sock you pick (the 4th sock) is guaranteed to match since there are only 3 colors

the next sock has to be one of the 3 colors and match with one of the 3 chosen socks

Answer 4

I feel like such an idiot!!!

Answer 5

don't feel bad, silly mistake

Answer 6

i was over thinking it

Answer 7

that's ok

that's why it's important to take things one step at a time and just step through it carefully

Answer 8

here's another one... Use the numbers 0-9 in pairs so each pair has the same sum

Answer 9

hint: list out the numbers from 0 to 9

then list out the numbers in reverse

Answer 10

yay!!!!! i did get that one correct. i cant say thanks enough for the help guys!!

Answer 11

you're welcome