Monday, 30 September 2013

How many regions do $n$ lines divide the plane into?

How many regions do $n$ lines divide the plane into?

Suppose you draw $n \ge 0$ distinct lines in the plane, one after another,
none of the lines parallel to any other and no three lines intersecting at
a common point. The plane will, as a result, be divided into how many
different regions $L_n$? Find an expression for $L_n$ in terms of
$L_{n-1}$, solve it explicitly, and indicate what is $L_{10}$.
I have tried to come up with a solution but cannot. A little guidance
would be very helpful.

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