IMP 2, POW 2...'tying the strings'. help!!

[maddy]

IMP2 POW 2 Tying the Knots..
problem:
There are 6 strings that the queen holds in her fist. One end of the string is sticking out above her fist the other end below. Gerik ties 2 ends above her fist together, then 2 more ends together above her fist, and the last 2 ends together above her fist. Gerik has no idea which string below the queen's fist belongs to which end above. The queen picks 2 ends below and ties them together, then 2 more, and then the last 2. The queen now has 6 strings in her fist, 3 knots above and 3 knots below her fist.
Question A: What is the probability that the strings will form 1 big loop?
Question B: What is the probability for each of the other possible combinations?

I got that there's 15 combinations for the top strings and 15 for the bottom..and 15x15= 225. But how many big loops can there be??

I'm not gonna draw all 225 combinations, that would take wayyy to long..so any help/ideas/equations??
please?

 

[Denis]

Are you allowed to ask for help on these IMP-POW thingies?

Anyhoo, you're way off; the 3 knots first created above fist
automatically change the situation to 3 strings , ends of each
sticking out below the fist. NOW THE WORK STARTS. Good luck.

 

[stapel]

Are you allowed to ask for help on these IMP-POW thingies?

Considering how diligently discussions (and even problem-statements) for these IMP-POW questions seem to be removed from forums, web sites, and search-engine caches, I really rather doubt it. :shock:

Additionally, it seems unlikely that we should be providing much assistance on two- and three-week group projects for which absolutely no progress has been shown. :roll:

Eliz.