SOLUTION: I have a pile of socks which contains 12 white socks, 12 black socks, and 12 red socks. How many socks must I take from the pile to be certain that I have at least one matching p

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Question 1186441: I have a pile of socks which contains 12 white socks, 12 black socks, and 12 red socks.
How many socks must I take from the pile to be certain that I have at least one matching
pair?
Answer by ikleyn(52777) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
.

3 + 1 = 4.                 ANSWER


In the worst case,  your first 3 socks will be of three different colors;

but then any taken fourth sock will match with some of the three previous socks and will create a pair.