Chapter 10: Problem 64
Prove that
\(\left(\begin{array}{c}n \\\
r+1\end{array}\right)=\frac{n-r}{r+1}\left(\begin{array}{l}n \\\
r\end{array}\right), \quad 0 \leq r
Short Answer
Expert verified
The given relationship between binomial coefficients holds true.
Step by step solution
01
Understand the Problem
We are asked to prove a relationship involving binomial coefficients: \( \binom{n}{r+1} = \frac{n-r}{r+1} \binom{n}{r} \), where \(0 \leq r < n\). This involves understanding the properties of binomial coefficients.
02
Recall the Binomial Coefficient Definition
The binomial coefficient \( \binom{n}{r} \) is defined as \( \frac{n!}{r!(n-r)!} \). Similarly, \( \binom{n}{r+1} \) is \( \frac{n!}{(r+1)!(n-r-1)!} \). We will use these definitions in our proof.
03
Simplify \( \frac{n-r}{r+1} \binom{n}{r} \)
Substitute \( \binom{n}{r} = \frac{n!}{r!(n-r)!} \) into the expression \( \frac{n-r}{r+1} \binom{n}{r} \). This gives us:\[ \frac{n-r}{r+1} \cdot \frac{n!}{r!(n-r)!} = \frac{n!(n-r)}{(r+1)! (n-r)!} \].
04
Simplify \( \binom{n}{r+1} \)
Express \( \binom{n}{r+1} \) using its formula \( \binom{n}{r+1} = \frac{n!}{(r+1)!(n-r-1)!} \).
05
Compare the Expressions
In step 3, we derived \( \frac{n!(n-r)}{(r+1)! (n-r)!} \) and our expression for \( \binom{n}{r+1} \) is \( \frac{n!}{(r+1)!(n-r-1)!} \). Simplifying the first expression:\[ \frac{n!(n-r)}{(r+1)!(n-r)!} = \frac{n!}{(r+1)!(n-r-1)!} \]This equality holds because the \( (n-r) \) factor in the numerator cancels with one \( (n-r) \) term in the denominator's factorial.
06
Conclude the Proof
Since we showed that the expression from Step 3 simplifies to the exact form of \( \binom{n}{r+1} \), we have proven that the given relationship is true.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Combinatorics
Combinatorics is a fascinating branch of mathematics that deals with counting, arrangement, and combination of objects. It's particularly useful in solving problems related to the selection of items from a collection, where the order doesn't matter, such as in our binomial coefficient exercise.
- The study often involves calculations of permutations (order matters) and combinations (order doesn't matter).
- Understanding combinatorics is key to solving many real-world problems, from figuring out probabilities in games to optimizing resource allocation.
- In the context of our exercise, the binomial coefficient \( \binom{n}{r} \) is a fundamental concept of combinatorics. It represents the number of ways to choose \( r \) items from \( n \) without considering the order.
Factorial Notation
Factorial notation plays a crucial role in combinatorics, especially when dealing with binomial coefficients. The expression \( n! \) (read as 'n factorial') is the product of all positive integers up to \( n \). For example, \( 5! = 5 \times 4 \times 3 \times 2 \times 1 = 120 \).
- Factorials grow very quickly, which is why they are used to represent the number of permutations or combinations.
- In our exercise, the binomial coefficient \( \binom{n}{r} \) is defined using factorial notation as \( \frac{n!}{r!(n-r)!} \).
- This representation simplifies the calculation of combinations and makes it easier to manipulate the expressions for proof, as is required in our step-by-step solution.
Mathematical Proof
A mathematical proof is a logical argument that establishes the truth of a mathematical statement. In mathematics, proofs are essential for demonstrating the correctness of a hypothesis or formula, as seen with our binomial coefficient exercise.
- Proofs use logical reasoning, starting from known facts and axioms, to show that a proposition is universally true.
- In our exercise, the proof involves demonstrating that the expression \( \frac{n-r}{r+1} \binom{n}{r} \) simplifies directly to \( \binom{n}{r+1} \).
- This involves using the definition of binomial coefficients and manipulating the algebraic expression through careful simplification.