Proving C(n,m) is an Integer: Number Theory & Chinese Remainder Theorem?

In summary, the conversation discusses proving that C(n,m) is an integer using number theory and the Chinese Remainder Theorem. It is mentioned that this only holds true under the given restrictions of n and m being integers. The use of a notion from the combinatorial derivation C(n,k) is suggested to prove this, and it is stated that both |L| and k! are integers, implying that C(n,k) must also be an integer. The possibility of a proof using modular arithmetic is also mentioned.
  • #1
ehrenfest
2,020
1

Homework Statement


How would you prove using number theory that C(n,m) is an integer where n => m =>1? Do you need the Chinese Remainder Theorem? It seems like it should follow easily from what C(n,m) represents but it is hard for me for some reason.


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution

 
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  • #2
C(n,m) is only an integer under your given restrictions assuming that both n and m are also integers. I assume that you meant to include that as a further restriction?
 
  • #3
This will follow rather easily if you use a notion from the combinatorial derivation C(n,k).

That is, if L = the set of ordered k element subsets of {1, 2, ... , n}, then

|L|= n(n-1)(n-2)...(n-k+1) <- This isn't very hard to show

Then with a bit more arguing, you can show that

|L| = C(n,k) * k! which intuitively makes sense since we're saying that the number of ordered sets is the number of unordered sets multiplied by the number of possible orderings.

(For a more formal argument, actually look up the combinatorial derivation of C(n,k)).

Thus it's clear that both |L| and k! are integers, and thus it follows that C(n,k) must also be an integer. It's not terribly hard to extend this to a divisibility argument.
 
  • #4
Kreizhn said:
C(n,m) is only an integer under your given restrictions assuming that both n and m are also integers. I assume that you meant to include that as a further restriction?

Yes. I understand how it follows from the combinatorial derivation, but it seems like there should be a number theory proof with modular arithmetic or something...
 

1. What is the Chinese Remainder Theorem and how does it relate to number theory?

The Chinese Remainder Theorem is a mathematical concept that states that if two positive integers are relatively prime, then there exists a solution to a system of linear congruences. This theorem is important in number theory because it allows for the efficient computation of solutions to complex systems of congruences.

2. Why is it important to prove that C(n,m) is an integer?

Proving that C(n,m) is an integer is important because it allows for the application of the Chinese Remainder Theorem to solve real-world problems in a variety of fields, such as cryptography and computer science. It also provides a deeper understanding of number theory and its applications.

3. What are the steps involved in proving that C(n,m) is an integer using the Chinese Remainder Theorem?

The first step is to express C(n,m) as a system of linear congruences using the properties of binomial coefficients. Then, using the Chinese Remainder Theorem, we can find a solution for each congruence. Finally, by applying the Chinese Remainder Theorem again, we can combine the individual solutions to obtain a single solution for the entire system.

4. Can the Chinese Remainder Theorem be applied to any system of congruences?

No, the Chinese Remainder Theorem can only be applied to systems of congruences where the moduli are pairwise coprime. This means that the greatest common divisor of any two moduli in the system is equal to 1.

5. How is the proof of C(n,m) being an integer related to the Binomial Theorem?

The proof of C(n,m) being an integer is closely related to the Binomial Theorem because it relies on the properties of binomial coefficients. Specifically, the Binomial Theorem states that the coefficients of the expansion of (x+y)^n are given by the binomial coefficients C(n,m). Therefore, by proving that C(n,m) is an integer, we are also verifying the validity of the Binomial Theorem.

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