Let p= 1/2*3/4*5/6*7/8……..*99/100.

Is p bigger than, equal to or less than 0.1 ?

The famous Sofia Kovalevskaya (1850-1891) solved this problem allegedly in no time, when she was only twelve years old.

Please provide your answer without programming and without direct evaluation.

(In reply to re: possible method. by Charlie)

Thanks Charlie!

I've amended 1. As to 2, I thought that was simply gilding the lily, so didn't bother to mention it. But of course you are right to have pointed that out too.

Edited on December 14, 2010, 3:14 am

Posted by broll on 2010-12-14 03:12:24