Mind-Bending Math & GamesCombinatorics

The Pigeonhole Trick

Too many pigeons for the holes guarantees a hidden match

Thirteen strangers walk into a room. Without asking a single question, you can prove two were born in the same month.

You'll find out

  • How to prove it without asking anyone
  • What the trick can never tell you
  • What hair has to do with it

Why it matters

The same simple counting proves that no zip app can shrink every file, however clever its code.

About 3 min6 interactive slides · 5 questionsLesson 48 · Zone 6

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