Solving a Combination Problem - Help Appreciated

  • Context: Undergrad 
  • Thread starter Thread starter fffbone
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Combination
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around solving combination problems and logarithmic equations. Participants seek clarification on specific mathematical expressions and explore various approaches to solving these problems, including the application of the binomial theorem.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant requests an explanation for a combination formula involving factorials and sums, specifically questioning the equality of two expressions.
  • Another participant suggests examining specific cases, such as when n = k+1 and n = k+2, to clarify the problem.
  • A participant introduces a logarithm problem and asks for help with multiple equations, expressing a desire for procedural guidance.
  • In response to the logarithm problem, another participant recommends substituting variables to simplify the equations into quadratic forms.
  • Further clarification is sought regarding the initial suggestion about the cases of n and k.
  • A participant proposes simplifying a factorial expression under the assumption that n-k > 1 and comparing it to the terms in the original series.
  • Another participant poses a question about a summation involving factorials and its relation to powers of two.
  • A later reply suggests using the binomial theorem to explain the relationship between the summation and 2^n.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

The discussion includes multiple competing views and approaches to the problems presented. Participants express uncertainty and seek clarification on various points without reaching a consensus.

Contextual Notes

Some mathematical steps and assumptions are not fully resolved, particularly regarding the simplification of factorial expressions and the application of the binomial theorem.

fffbone
Messages
31
Reaction score
0
Can anyone explain to me why k!/(k!*(k-k)!)+(k+1)!/(k!*(k+1-k)!)+(k+2)!/(k!*(k+2-k)!)+...+(n-1)!/(k!*(n-1-k)!)=n!/((k+1)!*(n-k-1)!) please. Thanks a lot!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Look at the case where n = k+1... then the case where n = k+2...
 
logarithm problem help

can you help me with the four following problems by showing me the right procedures of doing it even though it's so troublesome? thanks a lot and i would happily accept any recommended good sites from you guys for this topic.

1)4(2^2x)=8(2^x)-4
2)8(2^2x)-10(2^2x)+2
3)3*2^2x-18(2^x)+24=0
4)9^x-4(3^x)+3=0
 
1)4(2^2x)=8(2^x)-4
2)8(2^2x)-10(2^2x)+2
3)3*2^2x-18(2^x)+24=0
4)9^x-4(3^x)+3=0


1) Substitute 2^x with t and the solve the quadratic equation

2) Substitute 2^x with t and then solve the quadratic equation

3) Substitute 2^x with t and the solve the quadratic equation

4) Substitute 3^x with t and the solve the quadratic equation
 
Hurkyl,

Sorry, but I didn't quite get where you are going with n=k+1, etc. Could you please explain in more detail?
 
How about this:

Assume that [tex]n-k > 1[/tex] and simplify:
[tex]\frac{n!}{(k+1)!(n-k-1)!}-\frac{(n-1)!}{(k+1)!((n-1)-k-1)!}[/tex]

Then compare it to the terms in your series.
 
Now I see, thanks.
 
I have just one more question:

Why does n!/(0!*(n-0)!)+n!/(1!*(n-1)!)+...+n!/(n!*(n-n)!)=2^n ?
 
Use the binomial theorem on [itex](1+1)^n[/itex].
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 29 ·
Replies
29
Views
8K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
4K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
4K