Six points are given in dimensional space such that no four of them lie in the same plane. Each of the line segments is colored black or white. Prove that there exists one triangle whose edges are of the same color.
Solution
1. Initial Setup and Pigeonhole Principle Application:
- We are given six points in 3-dimensional space such that no four of them lie in the same plane.
- Each line segment is colored either black or white.
- We need to prove that there exists a triangle whose edges are all the same color.
- Consider one point, say . There are five line segments from to the other points .
2. Application of the Pigeonhole Principle:
- By the pigeonhole principle, among the five line segments , at least three of them must be of the same color. Without loss of generality, assume these three segments are and they are colored black.
3. Formation of Tetrahedron and Analysis:
- Consider the tetrahedron formed by points .
- We need to check the colors of the edges .
4. Case Analysis:
- If any of the edges is black, then we have a monochromatic triangle. For example, if is black, then is a monochromatic triangle.
- Suppose none of the edges are black. This means all these edges are white.
5. Conclusion:
- If are all white, then is a monochromatic triangle with all edges white.
- Therefore, in either case, we have found a monochromatic triangle.