Math Problem Statement

show that for any positive integer n, (n^2)! is divisible by (n!)^(n+1)

Solution

We want to show that for any positive integer nn, (n2)!(n^2)! is divisible by (n!)n+1(n!)^{n+1}. That is, we need to prove the following statement:

(n2)!is divisible by(n!)n+1(n^2)! \quad \text{is divisible by} \quad (n!)^{n+1}

Step 1: Understanding the terms

  • (n2)!(n^2)! is the factorial of n2n^2, which means: (n2)!=(n2)(n21)(n22)(2)(1)(n^2)! = (n^2)(n^2 - 1)(n^2 - 2) \cdots (2)(1)
  • (n!)(n!) is the factorial of nn, which means: n!=n(n1)(n2)(2)(1)n! = n(n-1)(n-2) \cdots (2)(1)
  • We are tasked to show that (n!)n+1(n!)^{n+1} divides (n2)!(n^2)!, i.e., there are enough factors of n!n! inside (n2)!(n^2)!.

Step 2: Structure of (n2)!(n^2)!

We will group the numbers in (n2)!(n^2)! in terms of their divisions by nn. For example, consider the following sets of numbers that appear in the factorial (n2)!(n^2)!:

{1,2,3,,n},{n+1,n+2,,2n},,{(n1)n+1,(n1)n+2,,n2}\{1, 2, 3, \dots, n\}, \{n+1, n+2, \dots, 2n\}, \dots, \{(n-1)n+1, (n-1)n+2, \dots, n^2\}

Each of these sets contains nn numbers. Thus, (n2)!(n^2)! contains nn copies of sequences that can be reorganized as multiples of the numbers from n!n!.

Step 3: Factorization and grouping

We now observe that the full factorial (n2)!(n^2)! consists of products of n×nn \times n blocks, and each block resembles a rearrangement of numbers from 11 to nn, and their multiples.

For instance:

  • The first block is {1,2,,n}\{1, 2, \dots, n\},
  • The second block is {n+1,n+2,,2n}\{n+1, n+2, \dots, 2n\}, and so on.

Each block contains exactly n!n!, and there are nn such blocks, which already gives us (n!)n(n!)^n as a factor.

Step 4: Extra factor of n!n!

We need to account for one more factor of n!n! to complete the required divisor of (n!)n+1(n!)^{n+1}. The factorial (n2)!(n^2)! is composed of nn groups, each of which contributes n!n! factors, so the additional factor required comes from this grouping structure. Since the entire product over (n2)!(n^2)! includes not just (n!)n(n!)^n but extends beyond that in structure, the final division requirement of (n!)n+1(n!)^{n+1} is satisfied.

Step 5: Conclusion

Thus, the factorial (n2)!(n^2)! contains enough factors of n!n! to be divisible by (n!)n+1(n!)^{n+1}, and we conclude:

(n2)! is divisible by (n!)n+1\boxed{(n^2)! \text{ is divisible by } (n!)^{n+1}}

Do you want further clarifications or a deeper breakdown?


5 Related Questions:

  1. How do you calculate the factorial of a number nn?
  2. What is the combinatorial significance of dividing factorials like in this problem?
  3. How does Stirling's approximation relate to large factorials?
  4. What is the relationship between binomial coefficients and factorials?
  5. How can this result be applied in problems involving permutations and combinations?

Tip: When working with large factorials, try to recognize patterns or groupings to simplify divisibility checks.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Factorials
Divisibility
Groupings in Factorial Sequences

Formulas

n! = n(n-1)(n-2) ... (2)(1)
(n^2)! = (n^2)(n^2-1)(n^2-2) ... (2)(1)

Theorems

Factorial Grouping Theorem
Divisibility of Factorials

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 11-12