Boxes numbered 1 to 5 are in a row. Each box is filled with either a red (R) or a blue (B) ball such that no two adjacent boxes contain blue balls. Balls of the same colour are identical. How many valid colourings are possible?

Introduction / Context:We are counting binary strings of length 5 using symbols {R,B} with the constraint that there are no consecutive B’s. Boxes are distinct (positions matter), colours are identical items.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Length n = 5.
• Alphabet {R,B}; constraint: no BB.
• All that matters is the pattern across positions.

Concept / Approach:Let a(n) be the number of valid strings of length n with no consecutive B. Standard recurrence: a(n) = a(n−1) + a(n−2), with bases a(1) = 2 (R,B) and a(2) = 3 (RR, RB, BR). This is the Fibonacci-type count for “no adjacent 1s” problems.

Step-by-Step Solution:a(1)=2, a(2)=3.a(3)=a(2)+a(1)=3+2=5.a(4)=5+3=8.a(5)=8+5=13.

Verification / Alternative check:Constructive count by splitting into strings ending with R (a(n−1) choices) or with B (requires previous R, giving a(n−2)).

Why Other Options Are Wrong:10 and 8 undercount by truncating the recurrence; 22 is overcounting unconstrained patterns; 13 is exact.

Common Pitfalls:Assuming indistinguishable boxes (they are positioned) or forgetting that pattern RB R… is allowed but BB is not.

Final Answer:13