Problem

Source: Spring 2006 Tournament of Towns Junior O-Level #4

Tags: number theory



Anna, Ben and Chris sit at the round table passing and eating nuts. At first only Anna has the nuts that she divides equally between Ben and Chris, eating a leftover (if there is any). Then Ben does the same with his pile. Then Chris does the same with his pile. The process repeats itself: each of the children divides his/her pile of nuts equally between his/her neighbours eating the leftovers if there are any. Initially, the number of nuts is large enough (more than 3). Prove that a) at least one nut is eaten; (3 points) b) all nuts cannot be eaten. (3 points)