pigeonhole principle
The theorem which states that any partition of a finite set of n elements into m…The theorem which states that any partition of a finite set of n elements into m (< n) subsets (allowing empty subsets) must include a subset with two or more elements; any of certain reformulations concerning the partition of infinite sets where the cardinality of the unpartitioned set exceeds that of the partition (so there is no one-to-one correspondence).
Meaning
1 senses(countable, uncountable)The theorem which states that any partition of a finite set of n elements into m (< n) subsets (allowing empty subsets) must include a subset with two or more elements; any of certain reformulations concerning the partition of infinite sets where the cardinality of the unpartitioned set exceeds that of the partition (so there is no one-to-one correspondence).
Schubfachprinzip
Translations
2 languagesBy meaning 1
Origin
From the commonly used expository example that if n+1 pigeons are placed in n pigeonholes,From the commonly used expository example that if n+1 pigeons are placed in n pigeonholes, at least one pigeonhole must contain two (or more) pigeons.
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Forms
plural: pigeonhole principles| Singular | pigeonhole principle |
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| Plural | pigeonhole principles |
regular
Synonyms
2 synonymsLessons for this word
1 lessons- A1Countable and uncountable nouns — Because it can be uncountable