What Are the Key Representations of Factorials n!, (n+1)!, and (n-1)!?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the representations and properties of factorials, specifically n!, (n+1)!, and (n-1)!. Participants are exploring various mathematical relationships and contexts in which factorials are used.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are attempting to clarify what is meant by "representations" of factorials and are sharing basic relationships, such as n! = n × (n-1)!. Some suggest looking into combinatorial mathematics and properties of factorials, while others question the accuracy of specific expressions.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing various factorial relationships and referencing external resources. There is a mix of shared knowledge and requests for clarification, indicating a collaborative exploration of the topic.

Contextual Notes

Some participants mention specific mathematical contexts, such as permutations and the binomial coefficient, while also noting potential typos in factorial expressions. There is an underlying assumption that a deeper understanding of factorials is desired.

nameVoid
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Id like to know some basic representations of factorials n!, (n+1)!,(n-1)! ext..
 
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What exactly do you want? When you say representations do you have anything particular in mind? I can easily provide you with:
[tex]n! = n\times(n-1)! \qquad \mbox{for }n > 1[/tex]
but I'm suspecting you're looking for something a bit more interesting than that.
 
You might find Wilson's Theorem interesting.
Combinatorial math is an interesting field where you deal a lot with factorials and their properties. Sometimes the algebra is tedious but you get interesting and useful results. Even if you don't know any group theory, everyone has seen basic counting in the form of permutations.

If you had a specific problem then do post it.
 
Last edited:
n!=n(n-1)!
(n+1)!=n!(n+1)?
(2n+4)!=(2n+4)(2n-3)!
(2n)!=2n(2n-1)!
..?
 
nameVoid said:
n!=n(n-1)!
(n+1)!=n!(n+1)?
(2n+4)!=(2n+4)(2n-3)!
(2n)!=2n(2n-1)!
..?

Yeah, but all of that just follows from the first line.
Check out http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Binomial_coefficient#Recursive_formula"

The binomial coefficient ("choose function", or "nCr") is where you'll see factorials most often, at least until you solve the Reimann-zeta hypothesis.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
nameVoid said:
n!=n(n-1)!
(n+1)!=n!(n+1)?
(2n+4)!=(2n+4)(2n-3)!
(2n)!=2n(2n-1)!
..?
Probably a typo, but (2n+4)!=(2n+4)(2n+3)!, not (2n + 4)(2n - 3)! as you had.
 

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