The largest number of intersection points we can obtain from 10 distinct points on a circle. Suppos

Arraryeldergox2

Arraryeldergox2

Answered question

2022-06-24

The largest number of intersection points we can obtain from 10 distinct points on a circle.
Suppose we pick 10 distinct points on a circle and connect all pairs of points with line segments, what is the largest number of intersection points we can obtain?
I have tried with 4 points and got 1 intersection point.
Next, I have tried with 5 points and got 5 intersection points.
Finally, I have tried with 6 points and got 15 intersection points.
After that I am lost. Can someone give an argument how to find it?

Answer & Explanation

Cristopher Barrera

Cristopher Barrera

Beginner2022-06-25Added 24 answers

Step 1
Notice how every intersection point results from 4 distinct points. In other words, they are the diagonals of a quadrilateral that the 4 points make.
Therefore, we can find the number of intersection points where there are n points by ( n 4 ) .
Step 2
So, if there are 10 points on the circle, then the number of intersections can be given by ( 10 4 ) = 210 ..
Craig Mendoza

Craig Mendoza

Beginner2022-06-26Added 6 answers

Step 1
Pick any arrangement of the n points that you like, choose 4 points out of these n points, call them A,B,C,D and lets say that they have a circular order so if you start, say, on the top of the circle going clockwise you hit the points in lexicographic order.
Is it true that they form exactly one intersecting point? If so, then the problem boils down to finding how many 4 points you can choose out of n points, so ( n 4 ) ..
Step 2
This if you can guarantee that you could have find an arrangement in such a way that two intersecting points are not the same intersecting point.

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