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 such that when the product of consecutive integers is divided by 7, the remainder is a positive number.
Problem Restatement:
- We have a sequence of consecutive integers, and their product is denoted as:
- 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 such that is not divisible by 7.
Step-by-Step Solution:
1. Understanding Modulo 7:
If is divisible by 7, then at least one integer in the sequence must be divisible by 7. To avoid divisibility by 7, none of these integers can be divisible by 7.
2. Considering the Range:
For 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 consecutive integers, if , 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 :
The largest such that no integer in the sequence is divisible by 7 is . In any sequence of 6 consecutive integers, there may not be a multiple of 7, but once reaches 7, one of the integers must be divisible by 7.
4. Conclusion:
The greatest possible value of such that the product of consecutive integers is not divisible by 7 is .
Would you like more details or have any questions? Here are 5 related questions to expand on this:
- What is the general rule for the divisibility of a product of consecutive integers by a prime number?
- How does the inclusion of zero in a sequence affect the divisibility of the product?
- What is the remainder when a product of integers is divided by a composite number like 12?
- Can you generalize this approach for any prime number ?
- How would this problem change if we were considering 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
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