Math Problem Statement
Find the only positive integer $n$ such that row $n$ of Pascal's Triangle contains three successive entries with the ratio $5:6:7.$
Solution
We are tasked with finding the only positive integer such that row of Pascal's Triangle contains three successive entries with the ratio .
Step 1: Review of Pascal's Triangle
The entries in row of Pascal's Triangle are the binomial coefficients . Our goal is to find three successive entries from this row that are in the ratio . That is, we are looking for three consecutive binomial coefficients such that:
Step 2: Express the Ratios Using Binomial Coefficients
Using the properties of binomial coefficients, we know that:
We are given that:
Step 3: Solve the System of Equations
We now solve the system of equations:
Equation 1:
From , we can rewrite this as:
Equation 2:
From , we can rewrite this as:
Step 4: Equate the Two Expressions for
We now have two expressions for :
Cross-multiply to solve for :
Step 5: Find
Substitute into either expression for . Using :
Step 6: Verify the Solution
We now verify that the binomial coefficients are in the ratio .
- The ratio .
- The ratio .
Both ratios are correct, confirming that is the solution.
Final Answer:
The only positive integer such that row of Pascal's Triangle contains three successive entries with the ratio is .
Would you like further details or clarifications on any part? Here are five related questions to deepen your understanding:
- What are the properties of binomial coefficients used to derive the ratios?
- How do the combinatorial properties of Pascal's Triangle help in finding patterns like these?
- What happens if the ratio was different, say ?
- How can the solution method change for non-consecutive entries in Pascal’s Triangle?
- How do these ratios relate to approximations of Pascal's Triangle for large ?
Tip: Understanding the recursive nature of binomial coefficients helps in solving complex combinatorial problems effectively.
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Math Problem Analysis
Mathematical Concepts
Combinatorics
Binomial Coefficients
Ratios
Pascal's Triangle
Formulas
Binomial coefficient formula: \( \binom{n}{k} = \frac{n!}{k!(n-k)!} \)
Ratio of successive binomial coefficients: \( \frac{\binom{n}{k}}{\binom{n}{k-1}} = \frac{n-k+1}{k} \)
Theorems
Pascal's Rule
System of Linear Equations
Suitable Grade Level
Undergraduate
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