Solution of an odds inversion problem

Consider the problem of determining the possible numbers of balls of two different colors in an urn such that if two are drawn out at random, the odds that they are different colors are a given value. We present a general solution of this problem for all odds from nil to certainty. The solution methods use relatively simple concepts from number theory such as modular inverses and the Pell equation. We find upper bounds on the number of solutions and the magnitude of solutions for those cases that have at most a finite number of solutions. We also define solution classes for cases that have an infinite number of solutions, and identify cases having a determinate number of solution classes.

Authors

Institutions

Publication Details

Journal
Notes on Number Theory and Discrete Mathematics
Published
2025-01-01
DOI
https://doi.org/10.7546/nntdm.2025.31.3.460-470
Primary Topic
Mathematical Approximation and Integration
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00
Controls
|||
ALL TIME
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
article

Solution of an odds inversion problem

R. K. Moniot
Notes on Number Theory and Discrete Mathematics
Mathematical Approximation and Integration
article

Solution of an odds inversion problem

R. K. Moniot
article en

Abstract

Consider the problem of determining the possible numbers of balls of two different colors in an urn such that if two are drawn out at random, the odds that they are different colors are a given value. We present a general solution of this problem for all odds from nil to certainty. The solution methods use relatively simple concepts from number theory such as modular inverses and the Pell equation. We find upper bounds on the number of solutions and the magnitude of solutions for those cases that have at most a finite number of solutions. We also define solution classes for cases that have an infinite number of solutions, and identify cases having a determinate number of solution classes.

Notes on Number Theory and Discrete MathematicsVol. 31(3)
Fordham University (US)
Openalex Percentile: Top 71%
Mathematical Approximation and Integration
AI Navigator

Ask Laika to Summarize, Analyze, and Connect papers live on the map.

Summarize Papers & Methodologies

Extract key findings, datasets, and comparative methods across publications.

Benchmark Rankings & Visual Analytics

Rank top research institutions, authors, funders, topics, and journals by Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI) and paper volume with instant charts.

Connect Distant Disciplines

Bridge topological clusters on the map to find hidden collaborative intersections.