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Factorial Removal Resolution (Posted on 2021-12-01) Difficulty: 3 of 5
 N = (1!)*(2!)*(3!)*(4!)*.....(19!)*(20!).
Precisely 1 of the 20 factorials needs to be removed from N to make it a perfect square.

What factorial needs to be removed? Provide adequate reasoning for your answer.

  Submitted by K Sengupta    
Rating: 4.0000 (1 votes)
Solution: (Hide)
1!*2!*3!*4!......19!*20!
= (1!*2!)*(3!*4!)*(5!*6!)*.......(19!*20!)
= (1!*2!)*(3!*4*3!)*(5!*6*5!).....(19!*20*19!)
= {(1!)*(3!)*(5!).....(19!)}2*(2*4*6*....20)
Since the previous expression is a perfect square, 
it follows that the factorial removal needs to be 
performed  in relation to the expression (2*4*6*.....20)
Now, 2*4*6*.....*18*20 = 210*(1*2*3*4*....*9*10) =210*(10!)
Since 210 is a perfect square, it follows that removing 10! will render the resultant expression as a perfect square.

Also refer to the solution to GENERALIZED VERSION of the problem which has been submitted by Brian Smith in this location.

It may be observed that the given problem is equivalent to the Generalised Version for x=5

Comments: ( You must be logged in to post comments.)
  Subject Author Date
solnSteven Lord2021-12-01 22:14:45
SolutionSolutionBrian Smith2021-12-01 12:19:00
Solutionsolution with a little help from the computerCharlie2021-12-01 11:50:44
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