Patterns of remainders when dividing x^n/n

  • Thread starter ershi
  • Start date
  • Tags
    Patterns
In summary, the conversation discusses patterns observed in series involving dividing x^n by n! and looking at the remainder for each x value. These patterns involve repeating strings of numbers, perfect squares, and alternating sequences. The conversation also mentions the possibility of a connection to a previous discussion about factorial values and constant incrementing values.
  • #1
ershi
4
0
I observed some patterns in some series involving
taking the expression x^n and dividing it by n!, and looking at the remainder for each x, starting with x=0 or x=1

I was wondering if there is some kind of explanation of the patterns that seem to be present

For example, looking at the remainders of the divisions
X^3/3!
or
X^4/6

starting with x=1 and increasing x by 1 will yield (each number separated by a space)
1 2 3 4 5 0 1 2 3 4 5 0 1 2 3 ...
Which shows an obvious pattern

Also, looking at higher n:

X^4/4!
or
X^4 /24

starting with x=1 and increasing x by 1 will yield (each number separated by a space)
1 16 9 16 1 0 1 16 9 16 1 0
which seems to be a repeating string of 1 16 9 16 1 0
with each number being a perfect square between 0 and 24

---------------------------------------
Another example, looking at the remainders of

X^5/5!
or
X^5/120

yields

1 32 3 64 5 96 7 8 9 40 11 72 13 104 15 16

There is a pattern here where each odd-positioned number in the series
is simply the value of its place in the list,
whereas the even-positioned numbers always increase by 32 until they exceed 120, and then "overflow" over the value of 120 and so the next value starts over with the overflow added to 0
----------------------------
Also, there is something more involved I noticed with
x^3/3!
when you look at the QUOTIENT
For the first several values of x, these are the quotients (integer division)
0 1 4 10 20 36 57 85 121 166 221 288 366 457 562 682 818 972 1143 1333

Now I did a process where I take the difference of each two adjacent numbers and create a new series.
(Ex. 1st number in new series is 1-0, 2nd is 4-1, 3rd is 10-4, 4th is 20-10)

This yields
1 3 6 10 16 21 28 36 45 55 67 78 91 105 120 136 154 171 190

Now doing the process AGAIN yields
2 3 4 6 5 7 8 9 10 12 11 13 14 15 16 18 17 19
This is a pattern here where there are 4 numbers that increase steadily by 1, then the next two numbers in the series are transposed (switched) from this normal ordering.
Then there are four more numbers in normal order, then two that are switched, etc.
Note that at the beginning there are only three numbers in order. I think this is because I started generating numbers with x=1 and not x=0

I was wondering if there is are any explanations why these patterns exist, and I would think there are several other patterns involving this idea of dividing x^n/n!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
for me these just happen no particular reason as to why such pattern exists
 
  • #3
I wondered if it had to do with another thread I posted, about a factorial value being obtained through a process of differences with x^n series.

This factorial value might have some significance for this case too, because in effect we are looking at a sort of constant incrementing value in the other problem, and in this case the factorial is used as a divisor, which is similar to having a fixed increment. We observe how much the remainder is after the last possible increment.

I really don't understand all the necessary notation or other number theory principles to formalize all this.
 

1. What are the patterns of remainders when dividing x^n/n?

The patterns of remainders when dividing x^n/n depend on the values of x and n. In general, when n is an even number, the remainder will be 0 or 1, and when n is an odd number, the remainder will be 0, 1, or -1. However, there are exceptions and more complex patterns that can be observed.

2. How can I determine the remainder when dividing x^n/n?

To determine the remainder when dividing x^n/n, you can use the remainder theorem or perform the division operation and observe the resulting remainder. Additionally, you can use mathematical formulas and patterns to predict the remainder for specific values of x and n.

3. Are there any real-world applications of patterns of remainders when dividing x^n/n?

Yes, there are many real-world applications of patterns of remainders when dividing x^n/n, particularly in computer science and cryptography. These patterns are used in algorithms for data encryption, error correction, and generating random numbers.

4. Can patterns of remainders when dividing x^n/n help in solving mathematical problems?

Yes, patterns of remainders when dividing x^n/n can be useful in solving mathematical problems, especially in number theory. By understanding the patterns and properties of remainders, one can develop strategies for solving equations and proving mathematical theorems.

5. How can I use patterns of remainders when dividing x^n/n to simplify calculations?

Patterns of remainders when dividing x^n/n can be used to simplify calculations by reducing the number of operations required. For example, if you know the pattern of remainders for a specific value of n, you can use that to quickly find the remainder for any value of x^n/n without performing the entire division operation.

Similar threads

Replies
3
Views
461
  • Linear and Abstract Algebra
Replies
8
Views
853
  • Linear and Abstract Algebra
Replies
4
Views
1K
  • Linear and Abstract Algebra
Replies
12
Views
2K
  • Precalculus Mathematics Homework Help
Replies
7
Views
1K
  • Linear and Abstract Algebra
Replies
33
Views
3K
  • Linear and Abstract Algebra
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
496
  • Precalculus Mathematics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
1K
Back
Top