# Distributing Objects
Problems involving distributing elements of a set into
### The Pigeonhole-Principle
![[Pasted image 20231127114237.png|400]]
The **pigeonhole principle** states that, if $k$ is a positive integer and $k+1$ or more objects are placed into $k$ boxes, then there is at least one box containing two or more of the objects.
Acknowledging this property can help when identifying cases of *overcounting*
> [!summary] **The Pigeonhole Principle**
> If $N$ objects are placed into $k$ boxes, then there is