Factoring Combinatorial Functions

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The discussion focuses on determining the values of positive integers n and m for which the function g(x) = {{{x+1} \choose n} \choose {m}} - {{{x} \choose n} \choose {m}} is a factor of f(x) = {{{x+1} \choose n} \choose {m}}. Initial findings suggest that m=n=1 and m=n=2 are valid solutions, but a general solution remains elusive. Participants propose using relationships between the combinatorial functions to derive the factors, specifically by defining constants A and B. The calculations indicate that A = 1 - n/(x+1) and suggest that g(x) can be expressed in terms of f(x). Further exploration of B is needed to fully understand its implications on the factorization.
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Homework Statement


Define {x \choose n}=\frac{x(x-1)(x-2)...(x-n+1)}{n!} for positive integer n. For what values of positive integers n and m is g(x)={{{x+1} \choose n} \choose {m}}-{{{x} \choose n} \choose {m}} a factor of f(x)={{{x+1} \choose n} \choose {m}}?

Homework Equations


The idea that the roots of a polynomial must be roots of its factors perhaps.

The Attempt at a Solution


I quickly found by brute force that m=n=1 and m=n=2 worked, but I’m not sure how to get a general result. Any help would be appreciated.
 
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CalHide said:
Define {x \choose n}=\frac{x(x-1)(x-2)...(x-n+1)}{n!} for positive integer n. For what values of positive integers n and m is g(x)={{{x+1} \choose n} \choose {m}}-{{{x} \choose n} \choose {m}} a factor of f(x)={{{x+1} \choose n} \choose {m}}?
I would start by finding ##A## for: ##{x \choose n} = A{(x+1) \choose n}##.

Then ##g(x)## becomes ## {{{x+1} \choose n} \choose {m}} - {A{{x+1} \choose n} \choose {m}} ##

Then find ##B## for: ## {{{x+1} \choose n} \choose {m}} = B {A{{x+1} \choose n} \choose {m}} ##

Then ##g(x)## becomes ## f(x)(1-B) ##
 
.Scott said:
I would start by finding ##A## for: ##{x \choose n} = A{(x+1) \choose n}##.

Then ##g(x)## becomes ## {{{x+1} \choose n} \choose {m}} - {A{{x+1} \choose n} \choose {m}} ##

Then find ##B## for: ## {{{x+1} \choose n} \choose {m}} = B {A{{x+1} \choose n} \choose {m}} ##

Then ##g(x)## becomes ## f(x)(1-B) ##
I find ##A=1-\frac{n}{x+1}##. Also, I believe ##g(x)=(1-\frac{1}{B})f(x)##. ##B## is rather nasty, and I’m not sure what to do with it.
 
Question: A clock's minute hand has length 4 and its hour hand has length 3. What is the distance between the tips at the moment when it is increasing most rapidly?(Putnam Exam Question) Answer: Making assumption that both the hands moves at constant angular velocities, the answer is ## \sqrt{7} .## But don't you think this assumption is somewhat doubtful and wrong?

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