Sharon has a number of pairs of gloves of identical design, but of several (at least three) different colors. She has at least three pairs of each color. In the dark she can distinguish the handedness of a glove, but not its color. Unfortunately, she keeps the gloves jumbled up in a drawer in an unlit cellar.

Sharon knows that if she takes out 21 gloves, in the dark, she can be sure of getting at least one pair.

What is the maximum number of pairs of gloves that she could have?

(In reply to re(2): Different solution? by Charlie)

I still don't understand why if there are 10,000 pairs of one color that you can be SURE that with 21 gloves they won't all be that color.

Posted by Danny on 2004-06-03 15:32:16