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jlacosta   0
May 1, 2025
May is an exciting month! National MATHCOUNTS is the second week of May in Washington D.C. and our Founder, Richard Rusczyk will be presenting a seminar, Preparing Strong Math Students for College and Careers, on May 11th.

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0 replies
jlacosta
May 1, 2025
0 replies
Hard to approach it !
BogG   131
N an hour ago by Giant_PT
Source: Swiss Imo Selection 2006
Let $\triangle ABC$ be an acute-angled triangle with $AB \not= AC$. Let $H$ be the orthocenter of triangle $ABC$, and let $M$ be the midpoint of the side $BC$. Let $D$ be a point on the side $AB$ and $E$ a point on the side $AC$ such that $AE=AD$ and the points $D$, $H$, $E$ are on the same line. Prove that the line $HM$ is perpendicular to the common chord of the circumscribed circles of triangle $\triangle ABC$ and triangle $\triangle ADE$.
131 replies
BogG
May 25, 2006
Giant_PT
an hour ago
Inspired by lbh_qys.
sqing   1
N an hour ago by sqing
Source: Own
Let $ a,b>0   $ . Prove that
$$ \frac{a}{a^2+a +b+1}+ \frac{b}{b^2+a +b+1}  \leq  \frac{1}{2} $$$$ \frac{a}{a^2+ab+a+b+1}+ \frac{b}{b^2+ab+a+b+1} \leq   \sqrt 2-1  $$$$\frac{a}{a^2+ab+a+1}+ \frac{b}{b^2+ab+b+1} \leq  \frac{2(2\sqrt 2-1)}{7} $$$$\frac{a}{a^2+ab+b+1}+ \frac{b}{b^2+ab+a+1} \leq  \frac{2(2\sqrt 2-1)}{7} $$
1 reply
sqing
an hour ago
sqing
an hour ago
3-var inequality
sqing   2
N 2 hours ago by sqing
Source: Own
Let $ a,b,c>0 $ and $\frac{1}{a+1}+ \frac{1}{b+1}+\frac{1}{c+1}   \geq \frac{a+b +c}{2}   $ . Prove that
$$ \frac{1}{a+2}+ \frac{1}{b+2} + \frac{1}{c+2}\geq1$$
2 replies
sqing
2 hours ago
sqing
2 hours ago
2-var inequality
sqing   4
N 2 hours ago by sqing
Source: Own
Let $ a,b>0   $ . Prove that
$$\frac{a}{a^2+b+1}+ \frac{b}{b^2+a+1} \leq  \frac{2}{3} $$Thank lbh_qys.
4 replies
sqing
2 hours ago
sqing
2 hours ago
calculus
youochange   2
N Yesterday at 7:46 PM by tom-nowy
$\int_{\alpha}^{\theta} \frac{d\theta}{\sqrt{cos\theta-cos\alpha}}$
2 replies
youochange
Yesterday at 2:26 PM
tom-nowy
Yesterday at 7:46 PM
ISI UGB 2025 P1
SomeonecoolLovesMaths   6
N Yesterday at 5:10 PM by SomeonecoolLovesMaths
Source: ISI UGB 2025 P1
Suppose $f \colon \mathbb{R} \longrightarrow \mathbb{R}$ is differentiable and $| f'(x)| < \frac{1}{2}$ for all $x \in \mathbb{R}$. Show that for some $x_0 \in \mathbb{R}$, $f \left( x_0 \right) = x_0$.
6 replies
SomeonecoolLovesMaths
Sunday at 11:30 AM
SomeonecoolLovesMaths
Yesterday at 5:10 PM
Cute matrix equation
RobertRogo   3
N Yesterday at 2:23 PM by loup blanc
Source: "Traian Lalescu" student contest 2025, Section A, Problem 2
Find all matrices $A \in \mathcal{M}_n(\mathbb{Z})$ such that $$2025A^{2025}=A^{2024}+A^{2023}+\ldots+A$$Edit: Proposed by Marian Vasile (congrats!).
3 replies
RobertRogo
May 9, 2025
loup blanc
Yesterday at 2:23 PM
Integration Bee Kaizo
Calcul8er   63
N Yesterday at 1:50 PM by MS_asdfgzxcvb
Hey integration fans. I decided to collate some of my favourite and most evil integrals I've written into one big integration bee problem set. I've been entering integration bees since 2017 and I've been really getting hands on with the writing side of things over the last couple of years. I hope you'll enjoy!
63 replies
Calcul8er
Mar 2, 2025
MS_asdfgzxcvb
Yesterday at 1:50 PM
Japanese high school Olympiad.
parkjungmin   1
N Yesterday at 1:31 PM by GreekIdiot
It's about the Japanese high school Olympiad.

If there are any students who are good at math, try solving it.
1 reply
parkjungmin
Sunday at 5:25 AM
GreekIdiot
Yesterday at 1:31 PM
Already posted in HSO, too difficult
GreekIdiot   0
Yesterday at 12:37 PM
Source: own
Find all integer triplets that satisfy the equation $5^x-2^y=z^3$.
0 replies
GreekIdiot
Yesterday at 12:37 PM
0 replies
Square on Cf
GreekIdiot   0
Yesterday at 12:29 PM
Let $f$ be a continuous function defined on $[0,1]$ with $f(0)=f(1)=0$ and $f(t)>0 \: \forall \: t \in (0,1)$. We define the point $X'$ to be the projection of point $X$ on the x-axis. Prove that there exist points $A, B \in C_f$ such that $ABB'A'$ is a square.
0 replies
GreekIdiot
Yesterday at 12:29 PM
0 replies
Japanese Olympiad
parkjungmin   4
N Yesterday at 8:55 AM by parkjungmin
It's about the Japanese Olympiad

I can't solve it no matter how much I think about it.

If there are people who are good at math

Please help me.
4 replies
parkjungmin
May 10, 2025
parkjungmin
Yesterday at 8:55 AM
ISI UGB 2025 P3
SomeonecoolLovesMaths   11
N Yesterday at 8:21 AM by Levieee
Source: ISI UGB 2025 P3
Suppose $f : [0,1] \longrightarrow \mathbb{R}$ is differentiable with $f(0) = 0$. If $|f'(x) | \leq f(x)$ for all $x \in [0,1]$, then show that $f(x) = 0$ for all $x$.
11 replies
SomeonecoolLovesMaths
Sunday at 11:32 AM
Levieee
Yesterday at 8:21 AM
D1020 : Special functional equation
Dattier   3
N Yesterday at 7:57 AM by Dattier
Source: les dattes à Dattier
1) Are there any $(f,g) \in C(\mathbb R,\mathbb R_+)$ increasing with
$$\forall x \in \mathbb R, f(x)(\cos(x)+3/2)+g(x)(\sin(x)+3/2)=\exp(x)$$?

2) Are there any $(f,g) \in C(\mathbb R,\mathbb R_+)$ increasing with
$$\forall x \in \mathbb R, f(x)(\cos(x)+3/2)+g(x)(\sin(x)+3/2)=\exp(x/2)$$?
3 replies
Dattier
Apr 24, 2025
Dattier
Yesterday at 7:57 AM
the epitome of olympiad nt
youlost_thegame_1434   31
N May 9, 2025 by MR.1
Source: 2023 IMO Shortlist N3
For positive integers $n$ and $k \geq 2$, define $E_k(n)$ as the greatest exponent $r$ such that $k^r$ divides $n!$. Prove that there are infinitely many $n$ such that $E_{10}(n) > E_9(n)$ and infinitely many $m$ such that $E_{10}(m) < E_9(m)$.
31 replies
youlost_thegame_1434
Jul 17, 2024
MR.1
May 9, 2025
the epitome of olympiad nt
G H J
Source: 2023 IMO Shortlist N3
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youlost_thegame_1434
32 posts
#1 • 4 Y
Y by OronSH, pingupignu, lpieleanu, Sedro
For positive integers $n$ and $k \geq 2$, define $E_k(n)$ as the greatest exponent $r$ such that $k^r$ divides $n!$. Prove that there are infinitely many $n$ such that $E_{10}(n) > E_9(n)$ and infinitely many $m$ such that $E_{10}(m) < E_9(m)$.
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youlost_thegame_1434
32 posts
#2 • 19 Y
Y by Upwgs_2008, pingupignu, egxa, ehuseyinyigit, avisioner, khina, levimpcbranco, LLL2019, cj13609517288, Sedro, KnowingAnt, Scilyse, aidan0626, Assassino9931, HoRI_DA_GRe8, OlympusHero, navier3072, Funcshun840, p_square
I heard that this problem is not only very, very good, it also is not immediately trivialized by a theorem by some guy named Legendre. Indeed, I think that it is fair to say that after this and N2, olympiad NT is truly back!!!
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Scilyse
387 posts
#3 • 1 Y
Y by GrantStar
In fact, $E_{10}(n) - E_9(n)$ is unbounded both above and below.
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Marinchoo
407 posts
#4
Y by
If we denote the sum of the digits of $n$ in base $k$ by $s_k(n)$, Legendre's formula yields
\[E_{10}(n) = \nu_{5}(n!) = \frac{n-s_5(n)}{4}\quad \text{and}\quad E_9(n) = \left\lfloor\frac{1}{2}\nu_3(n!)\right\rfloor = \left\lfloor \frac{n-s_3(n)}{4}\right\rfloor.\]Now for any $t\in\mathbb{N}$, we may pick $n = 5^t$ to get $E_{10}(n) > E_9(n)$ and $n = 9^t$ to force $E_{10}(n) < E_9(n)$, the end.
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MarkBcc168
1595 posts
#5 • 1 Y
Y by MS_asdfgzxcvb
Let $s_b(n)$ denote the sum of digits of $n$ in base $b$. Then, by Legendre's formula
\begin{align*}
E_9(n) &= \left\lfloor\frac{E_3(n)}2\right\rfloor
= \left\lfloor\frac{n-s_3(n)}{4}\right\rfloor \\
E_{10}(n) &= E_5(n) = \frac{n-s_5(n)}{4}.
\end{align*}
Thus, for positive terms, take $n=3^{2k}$, so $s_3(n)=1$, which means $E_9(n) = \tfrac{n-1}4$. However, $s_5(n)>1$, so $E_{10}(n) < \tfrac{n-1}4$. Hence, we have $E_{10}(n) < E_9(n)$.

For negative terms, take $n=5^k$, so $s_5(n)=1$, which means $E_{10}(n) = \tfrac{n-1}4$. However, $s_3(n) > 1$, so $E_9(n) < \tfrac{n-1}4$. Hence, we have $E_9(n) < E_{10}(n)$.
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lpieleanu
3001 posts
#6
Y by
Solution
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blueberryfaygo_55
340 posts
#8 • 2 Y
Y by megarnie, DiaaSaid
Claim. Let $\nu_p(n)$ be the largest power of prime $p$ that divides a positive integer $n$. Then, $E_{10}(n) = \nu_5(n!)$ and $E_9(n) = \left \lfloor \dfrac{\nu_3(n!)}{2} \right \rfloor$.
Proof. It is easy to see that $\nu_2(n!) \geq \nu_5(n!)$ for all positive integers $n$, so $$E_{10}(n) = \mathrm{min}(\nu_2(n!), \nu_5(n!)) = \nu_5(n!).$$Now, $9 = 3^2$, so if $\nu_3(n!)$ is even, the $3$s could pair among themselves to multiply to $9$, giving $E_9(n) = \dfrac{\nu_3(n!)}{2}$. Otherwise, if $\nu_3(n!)$ is odd, there exists an unpaired $3$, giving $E_9(n) = \dfrac{\nu_3(n!) - 1}{2}$. $\blacksquare$

For the sake of contradiction, suppose there exists a positive integer $C$ such that either $$\left \lfloor \dfrac{\nu_3(n!)}{2} \right \rfloor \geq \nu_5(n!)$$for all $n \geq C$ or $$\nu_5(n!) \geq  \left \lfloor \dfrac{\nu_3(n!)}{2} \right \rfloor$$for all $n \geq C$. We work on each of these cases separately. For the former, consider some $m \geq C$ such that $m$ is a power of $5$. Then, by Legendre's formula, we have $$\dfrac{m-1}{4} \leq \left \lfloor \dfrac{m-s_3(m)}{4} \right \rfloor \leq \dfrac{m-s_3(m)}{4}$$where $s_3(m)$ denotes the sum of digits of $m$ in base $3$. It follows that $s_3(m) \leq 1$, which implies that either $m=0$ or $m$ is a power of $3$, and both possibilities are absurd.

For the latter, consider some $k \geq C$ such that $k$ is an even power of $3$. Then, by Legendre's formula, $$\left \lfloor \dfrac{k-1}{4} \right \rfloor \leq \dfrac{k-s_5(k)}{4}.$$However, $k = 3^{2a} \equiv (-1)^{2a} \equiv 1 \pmod 4$ for some nonnegative integer $a$, so $\left \lfloor \dfrac{k-1}{4} \right \rfloor = \dfrac{k-1}{4}$. It again follows that $s_5(k) \leq 1$, or $k$ is a power of $5$, contradiction. Thus, we are done. $\blacksquare$
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mandemidio
10 posts
#9
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This problem was proposed by Regis Prado Barbosa, from Brazil.
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eg4334
637 posts
#11
Y by
Uhhh...

By Legendres Formula, $v_p(n!) = \frac{n-s_p(n)}{p-1}$, where $s_p(n)$ is the sum of the digits of $n$ expressed in base $p$. Note that $E_{10}(n) = E_5(n) = v_5(n)$, and $E_9(n) = \left \lfloor \frac{E_3(n)}{2} \right \rfloor$.

For the first part, we wish to prove that $$\frac{n-s_5(n)}{4} > \left \lfloor \frac{n-s_3(n)}{4} \right \rfloor$$for infinetly many positive integers $n$. Taking $n=5^a$, $a \in \mathbb{N}$ suffices. Clearly, $s_5(n) = 1$ and $s_3(n) > 1$, so the conclusion immediately follows (after all, the statement is true without the floors and adding the floor only adds potential to subtract from the RHS).

For the second part, we wish to prove that $$\frac{n-s_5(n)}{4} < \left \lfloor \frac{n-s_3(n)}{4} \right \rfloor$$for infinetly many positive integers $n$. Taking $n=9^a$, $a \in \mathbb{N}$ suffices. Clearly, $s_3(n) = 1$. Additionally, because $n = 9^a$, $n-1 \equiv 0 \pmod{4}$ so the inequality rewrites to $$\frac{n-s_5(n)}{4} <  \frac{n-1}{4}$$$$s_5(n) > 1$$which is obviously true as powers of $9$ are never powers of $5$. $\blacksquare$
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math_sp
886 posts
#12 • 1 Y
Y by dolphinday
Solution
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squarc_rs3v2m
46 posts
#13
Y by
We were asked to prove that $E_{10}(n) - E_9(n)$ is unbounded in both directions. However, this is relatively straightforward - in addition to what has been done with the powers of $3$ and $5$ we need only prove that the sum of digits of powers of $3$, $5$ is unbounded (but this is a short contradiction argument with a maximal digit sum).
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ryanbear
1056 posts
#14 • 2 Y
Y by centslordm, vinyx
Claim: $n=5^k$ satisfies $E_{10}(n)>E_9(n)$, where $k$ is odd
Proof: note that $E_{10}(n)=\min(E_{5}(n), E_{2}(n))=E_{5}(n)$, since $2$s appear more frequently than $5$s
Get that $E_5(n)=5^{k-1}+5^{k-2}+...+1=\frac{5^k-1}{4}$ by legendre

Also note that $E_9(n)=\lfloor \frac{E_3(n)}{2} \rfloor$
Let $f(x)=x-\lfloor x \rfloor$.
Get that $E_3(n) = n/3+n/9+... - f(n/3) - f(n/9) ... < \frac{n}{2}-\frac{2}{3} < \frac{n-1}{2}$, since $5^k \equiv 5^{k \pmod 2} \equiv 5 \equiv 2 \pmod 3$, so $f(n/3)=\frac{2}{3}$
As a result, $E_9(n) < \frac{n-1}{4} = \frac{5^k-1}{4} = E_5(n) = E_{10}(n)$


Claim: $n=9^k$ satisfies $E_9(n) > E_{10}(n)$, where $k$ is odd
Proof:
Get that $E_3(n)=3^{2k-1}+3^{2k-2}+...+1=\frac{3^{2k}-1}{2}$
So $E_9(n)=\frac{3^{2k}-1}{4}$.

Get that $E_{10}(n)=E_{5}(n)=n/5+n/25+...-f(n/5)-f(n/25)... < \frac{n}{4}-\frac{4}{5} < \frac{n-1}{4} < \frac{3^{2k}-1}{4} = E_9(n)$, since $9^\text{odd} \equiv (-1)^\text{odd} \equiv -1 \equiv 4 \pmod 5$, so $f(n/5)=\frac{4}{5}$.
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dkedu
180 posts
#15 • 1 Y
Y by centslordm
We claim that $n = 3^{4k + 2}$ satisfies $E_9(n) > E_{10}(n)$ as
\[2E_9(n) = \left\lfloor\frac n3 \right\rfloor + \left\lfloor\frac n9 \right\rfloor + \cdots = \frac{n-1}{2} > \frac{n}{2} - \frac{8}{5} > 2E_{10}(n) = 2\left(\left\lfloor\frac n5 \right\rfloor + \cdots \right)  \]as $n \equiv 4 \pmod 5$.

$n=5^{2k+1}$ satsfies $E_{10}(n) > E_9(n)$ as
\[2E_{10}(n) = 2(\left\lfloor\frac n5 \right\rfloor + \cdots) = \frac{n-1}{2} > \frac{n}{2} - \frac{4}{3} > 2E_{9}(n) = \left(\left\lfloor\frac n3 \right\rfloor + \cdots \right) \]as $n \equiv 2 \pmod 3$.
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megarnie
5608 posts
#16 • 1 Y
Y by centslordm
For any positive integers $n$ and $k \ge 2$, define $E_k(n)$ to be the largest integer $r \ge 0$ such $k^r$ divides $n!$. Prove that the sequence \[ E_{10}(1) - E_9(1), E_{10}(2) - E_9 (2), E_{10} (3) - E_9 (3), \ldots, \]has infinitely many positive elements and infinitely many negative elements.

Let $a_n = E_{10}(n) - E_9(n)$. Since $\nu_2(n!) \ge \nu_5(n!)$ for all positive integers $n$ and $9 = 3^2$, $E_{10}(n) = \nu_5(n!)$ and $E_9(n) = \left \lfloor \frac{\nu_3(n!)}{2} \right \rfloor $.

Claim: $\nu_p(n!) \le \frac{n-1}{p - 1}$, with equality iff $n$ is a power of $p$
Proof: This holds because \[\nu_p(n!) = \frac{n - s_p(n)}{p - 1} \le \frac{n-1}{p-1},\]with equality iff $s_p(n) = 1$, which happens when $n$ is a power of $p$ (where $s_p(n)$ denotes the sum of digits of $n$ in base $p$). $\square$

If $n$ is a power of $5$ greater than $1$, then we have that $2\nu_5(n!) =  \frac{2(n-1)}{4} = \frac{n-1}{2}$ and since $n$ isn't a power of $3$, $\nu_3(n!) < \frac{n-1}{2}$. Hence \[E_{10}(n) = \nu_5(n!) > \frac{\nu_3(n!)}{2} \ge E_9(n),\]so $a_n$ is positive whenever $n$ is a power of $5$ greater than $1$.

It suffices to prove that $a_n$ has infinitely many negative elements. We claim that $a_n$ is negative if $n$ is a power of $9$ greater than $1$. Note that since $n$ isn't a power of $5$, $\nu_5(n!) <  \frac{n-1}{4} $ and $\nu_3(n!) = \frac{n-1}{2}$. Since $n$ is a power of $9$, $n\equiv 1\pmod 4$, so $\nu_3(n!)$ is even. Thus, \[E_9(n) = \frac{n-1}{4} > \nu_5(n!) = E_{10}(n),\]so $a_n$ must be negative, as desired.
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Patrik
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#17
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Sketch
This post has been edited 1 time. Last edited by Patrik, Jul 20, 2024, 4:25 PM
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VicKmath7
1389 posts
#18
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Solution
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Aiden-1089
289 posts
#19
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Recall a result due to Legendre: $\nu_p(n!) = \frac{n-s_p(n)}{p-1} = \sum_{i \geq 1} \left\lfloor \frac{n}{p^i} \right\rfloor$ for all primes $p$ and integers $n$, where $s_p(n)$ denotes the sum of the digits of $n$ in base $p$.
Note that $E_{10}(n) = \text{min} \{ \nu_2(n!), \nu_5(n!) \}$. But since $\nu_2(n!) = \sum_{i \geq 1} \left\lfloor \frac{n}{2^i} \right\rfloor \geq \sum_{i \geq 1} \left\lfloor \frac{n}{5^i} \right\rfloor = \nu_5(n!)$, we have $E_{10}(n) = \nu_5(n!)$.

First we show that $E_{10}(5^k)>E_9(5^k)$ for all integers $k$.
$E_{10}(5^k) = \frac{5^k-1}{4} > \frac{5^k-s_3(5^k)}{4} \geq \left\lfloor \frac{\nu_3(5^k!)}{2} \right\rfloor = E_9(5^k)$.
Next we show that $E_9(9^k)>E_{10}(9^k)$ for all integers $k$.
$E_9(9^k) = \left\lfloor \frac{\nu_3(9^k!)}{2} \right\rfloor = \frac{9^k-1}{4} > \frac{9^k-s_5(9^4)}{4} = E_{10}(9^k)$.

Hence proved. $\square$
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pie854
243 posts
#20
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youlost_thegame_1434 wrote:
For positive integers $n$ and $k \geq 2$, define $E_k(n)$ as the greatest exponent $r$ such that $k^r$ divides $n!$. Prove that there are infinitely many $n$ such that $E_{10}(n) > E_9(n)$ and infinitely many $m$ such that $E_{10}(m) < E_9(m)$.

Let $x=\min(v_2(n!),v_5(n!))$ and $y=v_3(n!)/2$. Let $s_n$ be the sum-of-digits base $n$ function.

Suppose for some $n$, $v_5(n!)\geq v_2(n!)$ then $\frac 14 (n-s_5(n))\geq n-s_2(n)$ so $4s_2(n)\geq 3n+s_5(n)$. This isn't true for $n=2,3$ and for $n>4$ it's easy to prove $n>2s_2(n)$ by induction. Thus if $n\neq 1$ then $x=v_5(n!)=(n-s_5(n))/4$ and also $y= v_3(n!)/2=(n-s_3(n))/4$.

Pick $n=5^k$ for $k=1,2,\dots$. Then $s_5(5^k)=1$ and $s_3(5^k)>1$ so $x=(5^k-1)/4>(5^k-s_3(5^k))=y$. And if we pick $n=3^k$ then similarly $y>x$. This clearly implies the claim of the problem.
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sami1618
909 posts
#21
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It can be easily derived that $$E_{10}(n)=v_5(n!)=\frac{n-s_5(n)}{4} \;\;\;\text{and}\;\;\; E_9(n)=\lfloor \frac{1}{2}v_3(n!) \rfloor=\lfloor \frac{n-s_3(n)}{4}\rfloor$$From here it is clear that choosing $n=5^k$ and $m=9^k$ both work.
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Sammy27
83 posts
#22 • 1 Y
Y by Eka01
Note that $E_{10}(n)=\nu_5(n!)$ and $E_{9}(n)=\left\lfloor\frac{\nu_3(n!)}{2}\right\rfloor$.
Claim: $E_{10}(m) > E_9(m)$ for $m=625^t$ where $t\in\mathbb{Z}_{>0}$.

Proof. By Legendre's theorem, we have
$$E_{10}(625^t)=\nu_5(625^t!)=\sum_{i=1}^{\infty} \left\lfloor\frac{625^t}{5^i}\right\rfloor=\sum_{i=0}^{4t-1} 5^i=\frac{625^t-1}{4}.$$Clearly there exists some integer $j$ such that $3^j < 625^t< 3^{j+1}$. Again, by Legendre's theorem, we have
$$E_9(625^t)=\left\lfloor\frac{\nu_3(625^t!)}{2}\right\rfloor\leq \frac{\nu_3(625^t!)}{2}=\frac{1}{2}\sum_{i=1}^{\infty} \left\lfloor\frac{625^t}{3^i}\right\rfloor<\frac{1}{2}\sum_{i=1}^{j} \frac{625^t}{3^i}=\cfrac{625^t(1-\frac{1}{3^j})}{4},$$and since $\frac{625^t}{3^j}>1$, we get that
$$E_{10}(625^t)=\frac{625^t-1}{4}>\cfrac{625^t(1-\frac{1}{3^j})}{4}>E_{9}(625^t)$$for all $t\in\mathbb{Z}_{>0}$ as claimed.
Claim: $E_{10}(m) < E_9(m)$ for $m=81^t$ where $t\in\mathbb{Z}_{>0}$.

Proof. By Legendre's theorem, we have
$$\nu_3(81^t!)=\sum_{i=1}^{\infty} \left\lfloor\frac{81^t}{3^i}\right\rfloor=\sum_{i=0}^{4t-1} 3^i=\frac{81^t-1}{2},$$from which it follows that $E_{9}(81^t)=\frac{81^t-1}{4}$, because $4\mid 81^t-1$.

Clearly there exists some integer $j$ such that $5^j < 81^t< 5^{j+1}$. Again, by Legendre's theorem, we have
$$E_{10}(81^t)=\nu_5(81^t!)=\sum_{i=1}^{\infty} \left\lfloor\frac{81^t}{5^i}\right\rfloor<\sum_{i=1}^{j} \frac{81^t}{5^i}=\cfrac{81^t(1-\frac{1}{5^j})}{4},$$and since $\frac{81^t}{5^j}>1$, we get that
$$E_{10}(81^t)<\cfrac{81^t(1-\frac{1}{5^j})}{4}<\frac{81^t-1}{4}=E_{9}(81^t)$$for all $t\in\mathbb{Z}_{>0}$ as claimed, and we are done. $\blacksquare$
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cj13609517288
1916 posts
#23
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By Legendre's formula,
\[E_{10}(n)=\nu_5(n)=\frac{n-s_5(n)}{4}\]and
\[E_{9}(n)=\lfloor\nu_3(n)/2\rfloor=\left\lfloor\frac{n-s_3{n}}{4}\right\rfloor.\]Thus we can use the classes of examples $n=5^t$ and $n=9^t$, which clearly work. $\blacksquare$
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N3bula
276 posts
#25
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I will in fact prove that $E_{10}(n)-E_9(n)$ is unbounded both above and below. First I will show that it is unbounded above. We have that $E_{10}(n)=\nu_5(n!)$ and we have that $E_9(n)=\lfloor \frac{\nu_3(n!)}{2}\rfloor$.
Now let $n=5^k$ for some $k$, from the application of the legendre formula we obtain $E_{10}(5^k)=\frac{5^k-1}{4}$ and we obtain that $E_9(5^k)=\frac{5^k-j}{4}$ where $j$ is equal to the sum
of the digits of $5^k$ in base 3, as $5^k$ is not a power of $3$ we get $j\geq 2$, now to prove the unbounded section, suppose $5^k$ has $n$ digits in base $3$, there exists a $5^i$ such that
$i>k$ and $5^i\equiv 5^k \pmod{3^n}$, thus the first $n$ digits of $5^i$ in base $3$ are the same as the first $n$ digits of $5^k$, however as $5^i>5^k$ there exists a digit $l$ after the $n$-th digit in base $3$
which is not zero, thus the digit sum of $5^i$ in base $3$, is strictly greater than the digit sum of $5^k$. Thus we get $E_{10}(n)-E_9(n)$ is unbounded above, proving unbounded below is similar except instead of
$5^k$, $3^{2k}$ is used.
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Assassino9931
1347 posts
#26
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Let us work on at least a little bit more interesting problems and prove unboundedness of $E_{10}(n) - E_9(n)$ in both directions. By Legendre's formula, the main expression we are interested in is
\[ \sum_{i=1}^{\infty} \left\lfloor \frac{n}{5^i} \right\rfloor - \left\lfloor \frac{1}{2}\sum_{i=1}^{\infty} \left\lfloor \frac{n}{3^i} \right\rfloor \right\rfloor \]since $9 = 3^2$ and $\sum_{i=1}^{\infty} \left\lfloor \frac{n}{5^i} \right\rfloor \leq \sum_{i=1}^{\infty} \left\lfloor \frac{n}{2^i} \right\rfloor$, by comparing terms individually.

Example for arbitrarily positive, from shortlist

Example for arbitrarily negative, from shortlist

Example for arbitrarily negative, by Muhammad Mahad Arif

Note on last example
This post has been edited 2 times. Last edited by Assassino9931, Jan 23, 2025, 8:52 PM
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HamstPan38825
8866 posts
#27
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Note:
\begin{align*}
E_9(5^n) &\leq \frac 12\left(\frac{5^n - 1}3 + \frac{5^n - 1}9\cdots\right) = \frac{5^n - 1}2\left(\frac{1-\frac 1{3^k}}2\right) < \frac{5^n - 1}4 = E_{10}(5^n) \\
E_5(3^{2n}) &\leq \left(\frac{3^{2n} - 1}5 + \frac{3^{2n} - 1}{25} + \cdots\right) = (3^{2n} - 1)\left(\frac{1-\frac 1{5^k}}4\right) < \frac{3^{2n} - 1}4 = E_9(3^{2n}).
\end{align*}(We technically didn't even need Legendre!)
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wizixez
168 posts
#28
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Even tho it is a imo sl problem...it actually requires the information that an olympiad student first learns about NT :)

We claim that for $N=5^k$ inequality $E_9<E_{10}$
Proof:
$E_10=E_5=\sum_{k\in Z^+}\lfloor \frac{5^k}{5}\rfloor =1+5^1+5^2+...+5^{k-1}+0+0+...=\frac{5^k-1}{4}$
$E_9$ same idea $E_9=\sum_{k\in Z}\lfloor \frac{5^k}{9}\rfloor $ this sum goes to $k=\lfloor \frac{b log(5)}{log(9)}\rfloor $ which yields $E_9<E_{10}$

If you do the same for $Z=9^k$ you get the desired result :) $\boxed{\lambda }$
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EVKV
71 posts
#30
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Legandre second form then construction
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Draq
12 posts
#31
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Let $S_m(n)$ denote the sum of digits of $n$ when written on $m$ base
$E_{10}(n)=v_5(n!)$
$E_9(n)=\frac{v_3(n )!}{2}$
Since we know $v_p(n!) = \frac{n-s_p(n)}{p-1}$ by Legendre's formula and if we put $n$ with $5^k$ we get $S_5(5^k)$ which is equal to 1 and $S_3(5^k)>1$ when we imply it on $\frac{(5^k)-S_3(5^k)}{4}$ we get $ E_9(5^k)\frac{(5^k)-S_3(5^k)}{4}< \frac{(5^k)-1}{4}=E_10(5^k)$
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Ilikeminecraft
635 posts
#32
Y by
what.
Note $\nu_p(n!) = \frac{n - s_p(n)}{p - 1}$ where $s_p(n)$ is the sum of digits of $n$ in base $p$ by legrende.
$m = 3^k$ tells us $E_9(m) = \left\lfloor\frac{\nu_3(m)}{2}\right\rfloor = \frac{3^k - 1}{4}$ while $E_10(m) = \frac{3^k-s_5(3^k)}{4}$ and we know $s_5(3^k) > 1.$
Same construction for $n = 5^k$
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Maximilian113
575 posts
#33
Y by
How can this be an isl..

Let $s_p(n)$ be the sum of the digits of $n$ in base $p.$ By Legendre's, $$E_{10}(n)=E_5(n)=\frac{n-s_5(n)}{4}, E_9(n) = \left \lfloor \frac{n-s_3(n)}{4} \right \rfloor.$$
To have $E_{10}(n) > E_9(n),$ consider $n=5^k$ for all positive integers $k.$ We guarantee $s_5(n)=1$ and $s_3(n) \geq 2.$

To have $E_{10}(n) < E_9(n),$ consider $n=9^k$ for all positive integers $k.$ We guarantee $s_5(n) \geq 2,$ and $s_3(n) = 1.$ Then, the floor does not affect anything as $9^k \equiv 1 \pmod 4.$ QED
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ray66
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#34
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Selecting $m=5^k$ gives $\frac{5^k-1}{4} >  \left\lfloor \frac{3^m-1}{4} \right\rfloor$ because $5^k>3^m$, giving an infinite number of solutions for $E_{10}(n) > E_9(n)$. Selecting $m=3^k$ gives $\left\lfloor \frac{3^k-1}{4} \right\rfloor \ge \frac{3^k-1}{4} - \frac{1}{2} > \frac{5^m-1}{4}$ where $3^k > 5^m+2$. Selecting $k$ even, or $m=9^{k'}$ solves.
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Jupiterballs
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#35
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StorageClick to reveal hidden text
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MR.1
126 posts
#36
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after putting number $1,2\dots 27$ i tried $n=5^a$ for first part
part 1)let $n=5^a$.$E_{10}(n)=v_5(n!)=\frac{n-s_5(n)}{4}$ and $2E_9(n)=v_3(n)$
$v_3(n)=\frac{n-s_3(n)}{2}\implies E_9(n)=\left \lfloor \frac{n-s_3(n)}{4} \right \rfloor.$ since $n=5^a\implies v_3(n)>v_5(n)\implies 
\frac{n-s_5(n)}{4}>\frac{n-s_5(n)}{4}\implies E_{10}(n)>E_{9}(n)$
part 2)let $n=9^a$. $E_{10}(n)=\frac{n-s_5(n)}{4}$ and $E_9(n)=\frac{n-s_3(n)}{4}$ and since $n=9^a\implies E_9(n)>E_{10}(n)$
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