Proving Double Factorial: (2n)!=2^nn!

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In summary, to prove (2n)!=2^nn!, we can use induction or a direct computation using the definition of the double factorial. By intuition, we can see that (2n)! is equivalent to 2 times every even number from 1 to 2n. We can combine the first factor of 2 from each number and see that there are n of them. The remaining factors give us (n-1)(n-2)..., which is equivalent to n!. Thus, (2n)!=2n(n-1)(n-2)...=2^3n(n-1)(n-2)...
  • #1
matematikuvol
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How to prove

[tex](2n)!=2^nn![/tex]

for example

[tex](2)!=2^11!=2[/tex]

[tex](4)!=2^22!=8[/tex]

...

[tex](2n)!=2n(2n-2)(2n-4)...=2^3n(n-1)(n-2)...[/tex]

I see that by intiution but I don't know how to write prove.
 
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  • #2
Prove it by induction. You've shown that it holds for the case n =1, so if you assume that it holds for general n, show that it follows that it holds for the case n+1.
 
  • #3
You don't need induction. A direct computation using the definition of the double factorial is enough.
 
  • #4
How?
 
  • #5
[tex]
(2 n)! = 2 \times 4 \times \ldots \times (2 n)
[/tex]

But, notice that:
[tex]
\begin{array}{l}
2 = 2 \times 1 \\

4 = 2 \times 2 \\

\ldots \\

2 n = 2 \times n
\end{array}
[/tex]

Combine the first factor of two from each factor in the double factoriel. How many of them are there? What do the remaining factors give?
 
  • #6
Tnx :)
 

What is a double factorial?

A double factorial, denoted by "!!", is a mathematical operation that multiplies a given number by every other number that is less than or equal to it and has the same parity (odd or even) as the given number. For example, 5!! = 5 x 3 x 1 = 15, as it only takes into account odd numbers since 5 is an odd number.

What is the formula for double factorial?

The formula for double factorial is (2n)! = 2^n * n!, where n is a non-negative integer. This formula is used to calculate the double factorial of any given number.

Why is the formula for double factorial true?

The formula for double factorial is true because it is based on the fundamental principles of mathematics, specifically the commutative property of multiplication. It also follows the pattern of multiplying every other number and taking into account the parity of the given number.

How can the formula for double factorial be proven?

The formula for double factorial can be proven through mathematical induction, where it is shown to be true for the base case of n=0 and then assumed to be true for n=k. The formula is then shown to be true for n=k+1, thus proving it for all non-negative integers.

What are the real-world applications of double factorial?

Double factorial has various applications in mathematics, physics, and engineering. It is used in probability and statistics to calculate combinations and permutations. In physics, it is used in quantum mechanics to calculate the number of possible states for a given number of particles. In engineering, it is used in the design of experiments to determine the number of possible combinations of factors.

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