Problem 4
Let be an equilateral triangle. From vertex we draw a ray toward the interior of the triangle so that it reaches one of the sides. When the ray reaches a side it bounces off following the law of reflection, that is, if it arrives with directed angle it leaves with directed angle . After bounces the ray returns to without ever landing on either of the other two vertices. Find all possible values of .
Step 7 of 7: Rule out n=5 and n=17
Detailed analysis
For and (both , below the threshold of step 6), a direct check of all pairs with and shows only , , and (up to swapping ), none of which is coprime. So and are not achievable, while every other is realized by step 6. Hence the possible values of are exactly the integers with or , excluding and .