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Motivated by an extra credit problem from our Linear Algebra class, we study the invertibility probability of binary matrices (the number of invertible binary matrices divided by the total number of binary matrices). Binary matrices are of interest in combinatorics, information theory, cryptology, and graph theory. It is known that the invertibility probability of n × n binary matrices goes to 1 as n→∞. We conjecture that this probability monotonically increases as the size of the binary matrix increases, and we investigate this by exploring how n×n binary matrices of rank n and rank (n−1) can be enlarged to (n + 1) × (n + 1) invertible binary matrices. Calculating this explicitly for the identity matrix, we obtain a probable bound that would show that, in a sense, our conjecture is asymptotically true. With the use of a computer, we also computed how many (n + 1) × (n + 1) invertible binary matrices can be enlarged from n×n matrices of rank n and rank (n−1) for small n. In addition, we study the invertibility probability of matrices with entries in Z_q.

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Tangram is one of the oldest puzzle games in China. It can make up volatile and wonderful patterns. To master the game, it would be ideal if the players can go through several complexity levels from the easiest to the most complicated. However, tangram today does not have the difficulty grade. Only a similar puzzle game—Japanese jigsaw puzzle has the difficulty grade which is not very reasonable. And the grading process is not provided. Therefore, we try to provide the theoretical basis of dividing the difficulty grades by means of probability of the patterns. We hope we can make some complements to this ancient game. Among the complicated influential factors, we sum up three key elements: the number of answers，the length of side, the basic figures. Based on these points, we have devised three plans, the procedural thinking of computer, the length-of-side principle, division principle, to calculate the probability. Then, we made comprehensive analysis on the probability. Finally, we got the difficulty grade of some classical tangram patterns. Moreover, we summarize some skills of piecing together the patterns.

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