Question

There are 64 volleyball teams in the state competition. In the first round of play, each team plays one other team, so 32 games will be played in the single elimination tournament. The winners from these games play each other in a second round. The winners of the second round play each other in a third round. This continues until there is a final winning team. There are no tie games; games are played into overtime if needed.

Answer 1

a. How many rounds of play are needed before a winner is determined? Explain your reasoning.

b. How many total games are played before a winner is determined? Explain your reasoning.

c. Suppose an additional round of play is added to the playoffs. How many teams would start in the playoffs? Explain your reasoning.