Call a permutation $a_1, a_2, \ldots, a_n$ of the integers $1, 2, \ldots, n$ quasi-increasing if $a_k \leq a_{k+1} + 2$ for each $1 \leq k \leq n-1$. For example, $53421$ and $14253$ are quasi-increasing permutations of the integers $1$, $2$, $3$, $4$, $5$, but $45123$ is not. Find the number of quasi-increasing permutations of the integers $1$, $2$, $\ldots$, $7$.
Joe wants to write $1$ to $n$ in a $1 \times n$ grid. The number 1 can be written in any grid, while the number $2$ must be written next to $1$ (can be at either side) so that these two numbers are together. The number 3 must be written next to this two-number block. This process goes on. Every new number written must stay next to the existing number block. How many different ways can Joe fill this $1 \times n$ grid?
How many different ways are there to cover a $1\times 10$ grid with some $1\times 1$ and $1\times 2$ pieces without overlapping?
Find the total number of sequences of length $n$ containing only letters $A$ and $B$ such that no two $A$s are next to each other. For example, for $n = 2$, there are $3$ possible sequences: $AB$, $BA$, and $BB$.
There are $2^{10} = 1024$ possible $10$-letter strings in which each letter is either an $A$ or a $B$. Find the number of such strings that do not have more than $3$ adjacent letters that are identical.
In a small pond there are eleven lily pads in a row labeled $0$ through $10$. A frog is sitting on pad $1$. When the frog is on pad $N$, $0 < N < 10$, it will jump to pad $(N-1)$ with probability $\frac{N}{10}$ and to pad $(N+1)$ with probability $1-\frac{N}{10}$. Each jump is independent of the previous jumps. If the frog reaches pad $0$ it will be eaten by a patiently waiting snake. If the frog reaches pad $10$ it will exit the pond, never to return. What is the probability that the frog will escape without being eaten by the snake?
Dividing a circle into $n \ge 2$ sectors and coloring these sectors using $m\ge 2$ different colors. If no adjacent sectors can be colored the same, how many different color schemes are there?