Manager
Joined: 11 Nov 2023
Posts: 228
Given Kudos: 78
WE:Business Development (Advertising and PR)
For which of the integers n, where 10 < n < 20, (n 1)! is not divisi
[#permalink]
01 Dec 2023, 17:02
In order for (n-1)! to be divisible by n, there must be a combination of factors within (n-1)! that is a factor of n. Since (n-1)! is a product of all of the integers less than n, the only solutions are when n is a prime number.
To illustrate, let's look at option A, n = 11.
(11−1)!11=10∗9∗8∗7∗6∗5∗4∗3∗2∗111
There are no common factors between 10! and 11. Thus, A is an answer.
Option B, n = 12.
(12−1)!12=11∗10∗9∗8∗7∗6∗5∗4∗3∗2∗112
Since 6*2 = 12, we know that (12-1)! is divisible by 12. Thus, B is NOT an answer.
Ideally you would see the pattern by now, but to test a few more:
Option C, n = 13
(13−1)!13=12∗11∗10∗9∗8∗7∗6∗5∗4∗3∗2∗113
Since 13 is a prime, there's aren't any factors other than itself and 1. Thus, C is an answer.
Option D, n = 14.
(14−1)!14=13∗12∗11∗10∗9∗8∗7∗6∗5∗4∗3∗2∗114
Since 7*2 = 14, we know that (12-1)! is divisible by 14. Thus, B is NOT an answer.