Thread: 3's and 5's that equal 16

Hi, I'm new here and very poor at math in general. I'm wondering, is there a simple formula of sorts for finding out how many combinations of two different numbers there are that equal another number? For example, how many combinations of 3's and 5's are there that equal 16? Such as, 3-5-3-5, 3-3-5-5, 3-5-5-3, 5-5-3-3 and 5-3-3-5. Thanks

Mike

For your example, two 3's and two 5's add up to 16. That is, total 4 numbers are here among which 2 are same and the rest 2 are also same.

Note that, if there are elements among which are of one type, are of another type,........,lastly are of another type, where , then the total number of possible combinations is . Compare this to you problem. What do you get then?

Thanks Sambit. I gotta think about your reply, it might have gone over my head but I appreciate your help.

Mike

Further hint:- You have only and , each equals , and . Now think.