Solve the problem.
-A cell has at least 3 and at most 47 nucleii. How many cells must a scientist view under his Microscope to be certain that at least two cells have the same number of nucleii?
A) 45 cells
B) 44 cells
C) 47 cells
D) 46 cells

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The problem can be solved using the Pigeonhole Principle. The range of possible nuclei in a cell is from 3 to 47, which gives us 45 different possibilities (47 - 3 + 1 = 45). To guarantee that at least two cells have the same number of nuclei, one must observe one more cell than the number of possibilities, which is 46 cells.

Solve the Problem. -A Cell Has at Least 3 and at Most 47