MathDB
IOQM 2023-24 P-28

Source:

September 3, 2023

Problem Statement

On each side of an equilateral triangle with side length nn units, where nn is an integer, 1n1001 \leq n \leq 100, consider n1n-1 points that divide the side into nn equal segments. Through these points, draw lines parallel to the sides of the triangle, obtaining a net of equilateral triangles of side length one unit. On each of the vertices of these small triangles, place a coin head up. Two coins are said to be adjacent if the distance between them is 1 unit. A move consists of flipping over any three mutually adjacent coins. Find the number of values of nn for which it is possible to turn all coins tail up after a finite number of moves.