Fix a positive integer $n$ and a finite graph with at least one edge; the endpoints of each edge are distinct, and any two vertices are joined by at most one edge. Vertices and edges are assigned (not necessarily distinct) numbers in the range from $0$ to $n-1$, one number each. A vertex assignment and an edge assignment are [i]compatible[/i] if the following condition is satisfied at each vertex $v$: The number assigned to $v$ is congruent modulo $n$ to the sum of the numbers assigned to the edges incident to $v$. Fix a vertex assignment and let $N$ be the total number of compatible edge assignments; compatibility refers, of course, to the fixed vertex assignment. Prove that, if $N \neq 0$, then the prime divisors of $N$ are all at most $n$.

We have $n{}$ coins, one of which is fake, which differs in weight from the real ones and a two-pan scale which works correctly if the weights on the pans are different, but can show any outcome if the weights on the pans are equal. For what $n{}$ can we determine which coin is fake and whether it is lighter or heavier than the real coins, in at most $k{}$ weightings? [i]Proposed by A. Zaslavsky[/i]

There are $9$ visually indistinguishable coins, and one of them is fake and thus lighter. We are given $3$ indistinguishable balance scales to find the fake coin; however, one of the scales is defective and shows a random result each time. Show that the fake coin can still be found with $4$ weighings.

$6$ indistinguishable coins are given, $4$ are authentic, all of the same weight, and $2$ are false, one is more light than the real ones and the other one, heavier than the real ones. The two false ones together weigh same as two authentic coins. Find two authentic coins using a balance scale twice only by two plates, no weights. Clarification: A two-pan scale only reports if the left pan weighs more, equal or less that right.

Consider a $N\times N$ square board where $N\geq 3$ is an odd integer. The caterpillar Carl sits at the center of the square; all other cells contain distinct positive integers. An integer $n$ weights $1\slash n$ kilograms. Carl wants to leave the board but can eat at most $2$ kilograms. Determine whether Carl can always find a way out when a) $N=2003.$ b) $N$ is an arbitrary odd integer.

Let $n > 0$ be an integer. We are given a balance and $n$ weights of weight $2^0, 2^1, \cdots, 2^{n-1}$. We are to place each of the $n$ weights on the balance, one after another, in such a way that the right pan is never heavier than the left pan. At each step we choose one of the weights that has not yet been placed on the balance, and place it on either the left pan or the right pan, until all of the weights have been placed. Determine the number of ways in which this can be done. [i]Proposed by Morteza Saghafian, Iran[/i]