Proving Prime Divisibility of \binom{p}{k}

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on proving the divisibility of the binomial coefficient \(\binom{p}{k}\) by a prime number \(p\), where \(p\) is a positive prime and \(0 < k < p\). The participants explore the relationship between the binomial coefficient and prime numbers, emphasizing that \(\binom{p}{k}\) is divisible by \(p\) due to its properties. The conversation also touches on the binomial identity \(\binom{n+1}{k+1} = \binom{n}{k} + \binom{n}{k+1}\) and the need for correct application of factorial definitions in proofs.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of binomial coefficients, specifically \(\binom{n}{k}\)
  • Familiarity with prime numbers and their properties
  • Knowledge of factorial notation and operations
  • Basic combinatorial identities and their proofs
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  • Study the properties of binomial coefficients in combinatorics
  • Learn about the application of Lucas' Theorem in prime divisibility
  • Explore advanced combinatorial identities and their proofs
  • Investigate the relationship between binomial coefficients and modular arithmetic
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Mathematicians, students studying combinatorics, and anyone interested in number theory and prime divisibility concepts.

chaotixmonjuish
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<br /> \binom{n+1}{k+1}=\binom{n}{k}+\binom{n}{k+1}<br />

I'm not sure how to prove this.

However...does this work:


If p is a positive prime number and 0<k<p, prove p divides \binom{p}{k}

Can't I just say that if that binomial is prime, this means that it is only divisible by p and 1 (since we are only working in the positive)?
 
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Are these like two totally separate problems? I don't know what the second has to do with the first. The first one is just a 'find the common denominator' problem and show both sides are equal. Use C(n,k)=n!/(k!*(n-k)!).
 
<br /> \frac{n!}{(n-k)!k!}+\frac{n!}{(n-k)!(k+1)!}<br />
<br /> \frac{n!}{(n-k-1)!(k+1)}+\frac{n!}{(n-k)!(k+1)!}<br />
<br /> \frac{(n+1)!}{(n-k)!(k+1)!}<br />
<br /> \binom{n+1}{k+1}<br />
 
The first line isn't even correct. C(n,k+1)=n!/((k+1)!*(n-k-1)!).
 

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