Math Problem Statement

When you divide the product of n consecutive integers by a natural number K, the remainder is a positive number. Find the greatest possible value of n, if k=7

Solution

We are tasked with finding the greatest possible value of nn such that when the product of nn consecutive integers is divided by 7, the remainder is a positive number.

Problem Restatement:

  • We have a sequence of nn consecutive integers, and their product is denoted as: P=x(x+1)(x+2)(x+n1)P = x(x+1)(x+2) \dots (x+n-1)
  • When this product is divided by 7, the remainder must be a positive number (i.e., not 0), implying that the product is not divisible by 7.
  • We are tasked with finding the largest nn such that PP is not divisible by 7.

Step-by-Step Solution:

1. Understanding Modulo 7:

If PP is divisible by 7, then at least one integer in the sequence x,x+1,x+2,,x+n1x, x+1, x+2, \dots, x+n-1 must be divisible by 7. To avoid divisibility by 7, none of these integers can be divisible by 7.

2. Considering the Range:

For PP to not be divisible by 7, none of the integers in the sequence can be a multiple of 7. However, since we are dealing with nn consecutive integers, if n7n \geq 7, one of the integers in the sequence will always be divisible by 7 because of the properties of consecutive integers (every set of 7 consecutive integers contains exactly one multiple of 7).

3. Maximizing nn:

The largest nn such that no integer in the sequence is divisible by 7 is n=6n = 6. In any sequence of 6 consecutive integers, there may not be a multiple of 7, but once nn reaches 7, one of the integers must be divisible by 7.

4. Conclusion:

The greatest possible value of nn such that the product of nn consecutive integers is not divisible by 7 is 6\boxed{6}.

Would you like more details or have any questions? Here are 5 related questions to expand on this:

  1. What is the general rule for the divisibility of a product of consecutive integers by a prime number?
  2. How does the inclusion of zero in a sequence affect the divisibility of the product?
  3. What is the remainder when a product of integers is divided by a composite number like 12?
  4. Can you generalize this approach for any prime number pp?
  5. How would this problem change if we were considering k=10k = 10 instead of 7?

Tip: When working with consecutive integers and divisibility, consider the number's prime factors and the intervals between them to identify divisibility patterns.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Number Theory
Divisibility
Modular Arithmetic

Formulas

P = x(x+1)(x+2) ... (x+n-1)

Theorems

Divisibility Rules
Properties of Consecutive Integers

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-12