MathLabs

Problem 3

Twenty-one girls and twenty-one boys took part in a mathematical contest. Each contestant solved at most six problems. For each girl and each boy, at least one problem was solved by both of them. Prove that there was a problem solved by at least three girls and at least three boys.
Step 2 of 5: Label the grid
In plain words

Every girl–boy pair has a shared problem.

212=44121^2=441
Detailed analysis

Make a 21×2121\times21 grid. In each cell choose one problem solved by the corresponding girl and boy.