Problem 983
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drorfrid
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Problem 983
If I understand correctly, we need to have $n$ circles named $c_1, \dots, c_n$, with $c_i$ and $c_{i+1}$ being harmonious for each $i$. For non-consecutive values of $i, j,$ the circles $c_i, c_j$ can intersect at non-grid points, and that's ok. But, if they do harmonize by accident, do we count those intersection points for the chain to be considered perfect?
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urimend
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Re: problem #983
The problem does not require a single chain to connect all circles, it asks that every two circles can be connected using a chain (a different chain for every pair).
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eskimal
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Re: problem #983
Thanks, Urimend. I think now I have understood, but I am not so sure.
For me it´s probably the most confusing problem until now; I mean, problems may be very difficult, but usually at least I always understand what is the problem asking for.
Though the problem does not say that, the examples made me think that every pair of the circles should harmonise
For me it´s probably the most confusing problem until now; I mean, problems may be very difficult, but usually at least I always understand what is the problem asking for.
Though the problem does not say that, the examples made me think that every pair of the circles should harmonise
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Momotaro
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Re: problem #983
I revised the question after pointed out it might contain spoilers.
If two circles intersect at a non-grid point, would they still be considered consonant as long as they can be connected by a chain of harmonized pairs?
If two circles intersect at a non-grid point, would they still be considered consonant as long as they can be connected by a chain of harmonized pairs?
Last edited by Momotaro on Sun Feb 08, 2026 10:41 pm, edited 2 times in total.
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urimend
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Re: problem #983
Non-grid intersections are simply ignored, so the circles can and should be connected by a chain of harmonised pairs.Momotaro wrote: Sun Feb 08, 2026 3:26 pm if two circles (say C and D) intersect but only at non-grid points (so they do not harmonise)
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Swistakk
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pjt33
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Re: Problem 983
In the diagram with four circles, there are no unique harmony points: every harmony point is shared by at least three pairs of circles. Should I read "distinct harmony points" instead?
- heteroing
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Re: Problem 983
They want the count of the lattice points (x, y) in the plane which are harmony points of any pair of circles in the configuration.

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mr66
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Re: Problem 983
In condition 5 is said that between two arbitrary chosen circles, there existiert a chain of Circles where one with the next harmonizes. But I cannot see that this chain shall contain all circles.
In the case that not all circles have to be included , then I can put circles of r=sqrt(5)
On the Grid points (3i,3i) i=0..n-1
What am I missing or misunderstanding?
In the case that not all circles have to be included , then I can put circles of r=sqrt(5)
On the Grid points (3i,3i) i=0..n-1
What am I missing or misunderstanding?
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mr66
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Re: Problem 983
Obviously this has too many pointsmr66 wrote: Tue Mar 17, 2026 11:36 am In condition 5 is said that between two arbitrary chosen circles, there existiert a chain of Circles where one with the next harmonizes. But I cannot see that this chain shall contain all circles.
In the case that not all circles have to be included , then I can put circles of r=sqrt(5)
On the Grid points (3i,3i) i=0..n-1
What am I missing or misunderstanding?
- thedoctar
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Re: problem #983
I am a bit confused. The example provided of a sequences of circles, with circles adjacent in the sequence being harmonious, which is just a linear graph, then for any two points in the graph, there is obviously a path between the points.urimend wrote: Sat Feb 07, 2026 5:59 pm The problem does not require a single chain to connect all circles, it asks that every two circles can be connected using a chain (a different chain for every pair).
How does this example contradict the property that
Do you mean that once you have connected two circles using a chain, all edges in the chain must be removed? This means a complete graph. But why not just ask for a complete graph?5. The circles are connected in the sense that a chain of circles can be formed between every pair of circles such that each circle harmonises with the next circle.
I am very confused.
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urimend
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Re: Problem 983
@thedoctar
A sequence of $n$ circles (each one connected to the next) have $2(n-1)$ harmony points.
For $n > 2$ it means too many harmony points.
A sequence of $n$ circles (each one connected to the next) have $2(n-1)$ harmony points.
For $n > 2$ it means too many harmony points.
- thedoctar
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Re: Problem 983
So you're just saying it's not perfectly consonant but it is still consonant right?
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pjt33
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Re: problem #983
@thedoctar, the graph whose vertices are circles and whose edges connect pairs of circles which harmonise must be a connected graph.
- thedoctar
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Re: Problem 983
Thanks that is what I expected.
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