Search arXiv⌕ Search
Home/Archive/arXiv

arXiv · 2604.18619

The Apple Pear Basket Problem: A Combinatorial Exploration

Rethna Pulikkoonattu
View original source ↗Read source document ↗Export metadata ↓

Abstract

We investigate a combinatorial puzzle in which $N$ apples and $N$ pears are distributed among baskets subject to two constraints: every basket must contain the same number of apples, and every basket must contain a distinct number of pears. We prove that the maximum number of baskets is the largest divisor of $N$ not exceeding $(1 + \sqrt{1+8N})/2$. For the original puzzle with $N = 60$, this yields 10 baskets. The solution reveals a rich interplay between divisibility and combinatorics, leading to a natural classification of integers into perfect values, primes, and highly composite numbers according to their basket-packing efficiency. Computational results for $N$ up to one million confirm the asymptotic growth rate of $\sqrt{2N}$, and a complete tabulation for $N = 1$ to 100 is included.

Explore related subjects

math.GM

Keep this discovery

Explore connections, maps & timelines

BibTeXRIS

Rethna Pulikkoonattu. 2026-04-17. The Apple Pear Basket Problem: A Combinatorial Exploration. https://arxiv.org/abs/2604.18619

Cite the original work for its findings. Save a collection to share your selection of sources.

KEEP EXPLORING

Related papers

arXiv2026

Quelques remarques sur les vari{é}t{é}s, fonctions de Green et formule de Stokes

We give some remarks on some manifolds K3 surfaces, Complex projective spaces, real projective space and Torus and the classification of two dimensional Riemannian surfaces, Green functions and the Stokes formula. We also, talk about traces of Sobolev spaces, the distance function, the notion of degree and a duality theorem, the variational formulation and conformal map in dimension 2, the metric on the boundary of a Lipschitz domain and polar geodesic coordinates and the Gauss-Bonnet formula and the positive mass theorem in dimension $ \geq 3 $ and in the flat and non flat case. And the Ricci flow. And fields and their relation to the equations.And obstructions in astronomy. And on strings, superstrings and D-branes. And topological solutions in the negative case, critical, supercritical and superstrings and symmetry. And geometrization. And Decision problem, SAT problem and p=np problem.

math.GM↗
arXiv2026

Counting Truchet Tile Balls

A formula is established that counts the number of different balls that can be made by decorating the pentagons and hexagons of a classic football with Truchet-like patterns.

math.GM↗
arXiv2026

A Theory of Scales and Orbit Covers

This paper develops a formal theory of musical scales and their harmonic coverings and introduces orbit covers: coverings obtained by translating a fixed subset across a scale via a group action. Orbit covers generalize familiar constructions, such as the covering of the diatonic scale by tertian triads, and are motivated by the search for a generalized harmonic framework extending common-practice tonality. We model modes as group structures associated with pitch-class sets and scales as torsors, introducing scale covers and, in particular, orbit covers. To each orbit cover we associate a nerve complex encoding its intersection structure and associated topological invariants. We classify triadic orbit covers of heptatonic scales up to affine symmetry and nerve isomorphism. These results support a broader theory of harmonic organization with analytical and compositional applications.

math.GM↗