In a game of table tennis, 24 of the 37 points played were won by the player serving, and Smith beat Jones 21-16. Remembering in table tennis that service alternates every five points, who served first?
The number 24 is irrelevant re finding who was first to serve.
Since the decisive point was obtained in the 8th "fiver", i.e. the even belongs to the winner - so the loser (Jones)was the 1st to serve.
Still, we need to show that 24 winning points can be achieved by the server e.g. 5:0, 2:3, 1:4, 3:2, 4:1, 1:4 and 4:1, 1:1.
Added later:
All the above is wrong: assumption, conclusion and example.
Please see other posts.
Edited on July 17, 2013, 3:02 pm
possible outcome
