Number Theory: Define G(n) and show property for any prime p

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around defining the function G(n) and exploring its properties, particularly in relation to prime numbers. The original poster seeks to demonstrate that G(n) is an integer for n > 1 and to show that for any prime p, there are infinitely many n > 1 such that p does not divide G(n).

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the expansion of G(n) and question the implications of the initial factor when n = 1. They explore the relationship between G(n) and the product of binomial coefficients, considering how to establish this connection. There is also a focus on the prime factorization of G(n) and the conditions under which a prime p divides G(n).

Discussion Status

Some participants have made progress in proving that G(n) is an integer by relating it to binomial coefficients. Others are exploring the implications of assuming that a prime p divides G(n) for all n greater than some integer, and whether this leads to a contradiction. Multiple lines of reasoning are being examined without a clear consensus on the next steps.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating the complexities of the function G(n) and its properties, with some expressing uncertainty about the implications of specific cases and the factorization of terms involved. The discussion is framed within the constraints of homework expectations, emphasizing the need for rigorous mathematical reasoning.

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Homework Statement



Define the numbers

G_n = \prod_{k=1}^n (\prod_{j=1}^{k-1}\frac{k}{j}).

(a) Show that G_n is an integer, n>1;

(b) Show that for each prime p, there are infinitely many n>1 such that p does not divide G_n.

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution



I can see that the expansion is

G_n = (\prod_{j=1}^{0}\frac{k}{j}) (\dfrac{2}{1})(\dfrac{3}{1}\dfrac{3}{2})...(\dfrac{n}{1}\dfrac{n}{2}...\dfrac{n}{n-1}).

However, what happens when n = 1, or more specifically, in the first factor of the general expansion where k = 1? Do we simply ignore \prod_{j=1}^{0}\frac{k}{j}? Does it equal 1? I assume it doesn't equal 0, or the function would always equal 0. Once I understand this, I might actually be able to work the problem.
 
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Okay, now. Computing the first few values yields the sequence 1, 2, 9, 96, 2500,... which are the products across consecutive horizontal rows of Pascal's triangle.

1 = 1
2 = 1*2*1
9 = 1*3*3*1
96 = 1*4*6*4*1
2500 = 1*5*10*10*5*1

and so on. In other words, it should be possible to convert G_n to the product of the binomial coefficients \prod_{k=0}^n\dbinom{n}{k}. Now, how to do that? I tried writing out both sides and equating them but am having a bit of trouble with all the number shunting.
 
I proved the equality of G_n with the product of the binomial coefficients, implying that G_n is an integer for every n>1, as the product of a finite number of integers is also an integer. Now I need to prove that for a given prime p, there are infinitely many n>1 such that p does not divide G_n. I think I need to show that our given prime p is not in the prime factorization of G_n, but I'm not sure how todo this. I could try writing out the function and showing that the power of the prime in the numerator and denominator are equal at some point and that this reoccurs for that prime as n increases, but this seems like a tedious way to go about it and the numbers in the numerator and denominator are not themselves factored into primes, making this difficult to compute for an arbitrary value of the function. Any suggestions?
 
Still looking for help on this one. Another possibility I've considered is the following:

Let us assume that there are not infinitely many n>1 such that p does not divide G_n. Then there exists some integer n such that p divides G_n and p also divides G_k for all k>n. This implies that p is a factor in the prime factorization of G_k for all k>n. Is there any way to show that this leads to a contradiction?
 

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