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Let $X$ be an $n$-element set and $\mathcal{F} \subseteq P(X)$ such that for all $A, B \in \mathcal{F}$, $|A△B| \leq k$ where $A△B$ denotes the symmetric difference of $A$ and $B$. Suppose $|\mathcal{F}| = l$ for some $2 \leq l \leq 2^{n−1}$, then for what kind of $\mathcal{F}$ will the $|N(\mathcal{F})|$ be maximum, where $N(\mathcal{F}) = \{C \in P(X)\backslash \mathcal{F} : |C△A| ≤ k$, for all $A ∈ \mathcal{F}\}$.

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  • $\begingroup$ There is Harper's isoperimetric bound in Hamming cube (estimate size of the neighborhood via size of the set), but I do not know about isodiametric problem (maximal size of the set with given diameter). $\endgroup$ Commented Sep 29, 2015 at 10:16
  • $\begingroup$ Just want to clarify two things: (1) $l$ is given and fixed and we want to find the optimal $\mathcal{F}$ of that size, right? (2) The definition of $N(\mathcal{F})$ is correctly written "for all $A \in \mathcal{F}$"? (It shouldn't be "for some $A \in \mathcal{F}$"?) $\endgroup$
    – usul
    Commented Sep 29, 2015 at 11:33
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    $\begingroup$ Assuming that's right, since $N(\mathcal{F})$ is the intersection of the Hamming balls of size $k$ around each $A \in \mathcal{F}$ minus $\mathcal{F}$, surely $\mathcal{F}$ must be as "clumped" as possible? (i.e. a Hamming ball when $l$ is the correct size). For instance, if we decrease the distance of some $A \in \mathcal{F}$ to every other $B \in \mathcal{F}$, then we only increase $|N(\mathcal{F})|$. $\endgroup$
    – usul
    Commented Sep 29, 2015 at 11:35
  • $\begingroup$ We also hope that this will happen. Is there any way to prove your statement. $\endgroup$ Commented Sep 29, 2015 at 11:50

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