I want a free lunch (2 Viewers)

[dan964]

OP, try yourself first.
An empirical method will do

 

[kawaiipotato]

That's the answer if the cats are distinct.

Wouldnt it be n^(n-2) instead?
n choices for 1 person, n choices for 2nd, n for 3rd, ... , n for (n-1)th person = n^(n-2)
dunno

 

[dan964]

Thanks
But I was asking about


If the cats were distinct

depends the cats could be twins.
in all seriousness, the cages aren't numbered so there is no distinction between one cage and the next.

 

[dan964]

I think this is a Partitioning = Occupancy problem. 84 is correct.

For this question:

No of ways =

hey, i'd like to know whats the logic behind this solution

 

[InteGrand]

hey, i'd like to know whats the logic behind this solution

Stars and bars.

 

[Drongoski]

Stars and bars.

What InteGrand said; I'm sure he can elaborate.

 

[Drsoccerball]

Its like seperation with walls and considering the walls identical

 

[dan964]

someone pm'ed me how that works and it makes good sense