Working with binomial identieies.

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around proving a binomial identity involving combinations, specifically the expression \(\binom{r}{k}=\frac{r}{r-k}\binom{n-1}{k}\). Participants are exploring the validity of this identity and the reasoning behind it.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to prove the identity by manipulating the factorial representation of combinations. Some participants question the correctness of the original expression and suggest there may be a typo regarding the variable \(n\). Others inquire whether the reasoning provided constitutes a valid proof.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing feedback on each other's reasoning. There is a suggestion that a correction to the original statement may be necessary for the proof to hold, indicating a productive exploration of the problem.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of a potential typo in the problem statement, specifically regarding the use of \(n\) in the identity, which may affect the proof's validity.

chaotixmonjuish
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[tex]\binom{r}{k}=\frac{r}{r-k}\binom{n-1}{k}[/tex]

I'm having problems proving this. However, here is my reasoning:

when factoring out an r you get

[tex]\frac{r*(r-1)!}{(r-k)!k!}[/tex]
[tex] \frac{r}{r-k}*\frac{(r-1)!}{(r-k-1)!k!}[/tex]

Is this proper reasoning?
 
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That looks good. I think there is a typo in the problem the way it is stated. What is n?!

I think it should read (r-1)Ck on the right side, not (n-1)Ck.
 
Was that an actual proof of the identity?
 
It would be if you write r instead of n in the original statement as Russell Berty pointed out.
 

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