Consider an n x n matrix/grid. Two ants, A and B, are located at opposite corners of the grid (A is at the top-left and B is at the bottom-right). Both ants are trying to meet each other. On each move, ant A can move either one step to the right or one step downward. Similarly, ant B can move one step to the left or one step upward. They can move simultaneously. Given that both ants cannot occupy the same square at the same time (except if they meet), in how many ways can the two ants meet on the grid without crossing each other's path, for n=4?

Linear Algebra: A Modern Introduction
4th Edition
ISBN:9781285463247
Author:David Poole
Publisher:David Poole
Chapter2: Systems Of Linear Equations
Section2.2: Direct Methods For Solving Linear Systems
Problem 22EQ: Consider the matrix A=[2314]. Show that any of the three types of elementary row operations can be...
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This a challenging problem on combinatorics .

Consider an n x n matrix/grid. Two ants, A and B, are located at opposite corners of the grid (A is at the top-left and B is at the bottom-right). Both ants are trying to meet each other. On each move, ant A can move either one step to the right or one step downward. Similarly, ant B can move one step to the left or one step upward. They can move simultaneously.

Given that both ants cannot occupy the same square at the same time (except if they meet), in how many ways can the two ants meet on the grid without crossing each other's path, for n=4?

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