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k a May Highlights and 2025 AoPS Online Class Information
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
2-var inequality
sqing   12
N a minute ago by sqing
Source: Own
Let $ a,b>0 , a^2+b^2-ab\leq 1 . $ Prove that
$$a^3+b^3 -\frac{a^4}{b+1}  -\frac{b^4}{a+1} \leq 1 $$
12 replies
sqing
May 27, 2025
sqing
a minute ago
Sum of whose elements is divisible by p
nntrkien   46
N 25 minutes ago by Jackson0423
Source: IMO 1995, Problem 6, Day 2, IMO Shortlist 1995, N6
Let $ p$ be an odd prime number. How many $ p$-element subsets $ A$ of $ \{1,2,\dots,2p\}$ are there, the sum of whose elements is divisible by $ p$?
46 replies
nntrkien
Aug 8, 2004
Jackson0423
25 minutes ago
Graph Theory
achen29   4
N an hour ago by ABCD1728
Are there any good handouts or even books in Graph Theory for a beginner in it? Preferable handouts which are extensive!
4 replies
achen29
Apr 24, 2018
ABCD1728
an hour ago
Guess period of function
a1267ab   10
N 2 hours ago by cosmicgenius
Source: USA TST 2025
Let $n$ be a positive integer. Ana and Banana play a game. Banana thinks of a function $f\colon\mathbb{Z}\to\mathbb{Z}$ and a prime number $p$. He tells Ana that $f$ is nonconstant, $p<100$, and $f(x+p)=f(x)$ for all integers $x$. Ana's goal is to determine the value of $p$. She writes down $n$ integers $x_1,\dots,x_n$. After seeing this list, Banana writes down $f(x_1),\dots,f(x_n)$ in order. Ana wins if she can determine the value of $p$ from this information. Find the smallest value of $n$ for which Ana has a winning strategy.

Anthony Wang
10 replies
a1267ab
Dec 14, 2024
cosmicgenius
2 hours ago
number theory problem
danilorj   1
N Yesterday at 7:47 PM by solidgreen
Let $t$ be an integer, show that there are infinite perfect squares of the form $3t^2+4t+5$
1 reply
danilorj
Yesterday at 1:37 PM
solidgreen
Yesterday at 7:47 PM
2023 Putnam B2
giginori   13
N Yesterday at 5:14 PM by pie854
For each positive integer $n$, let $k(n)$ be the number of ones in the binary representation of $2023 \cdot n$. What is the minimum value of $k(n)$?
13 replies
giginori
Dec 3, 2023
pie854
Yesterday at 5:14 PM
D1040 : A general and strange result
Dattier   0
Yesterday at 12:46 PM
Source: les dattes à Dattier
Let $f \in C([0,1];[0,1])$ bijective, $f(0)=0$ and $(a_k) \in [0,1]^\mathbb N$ with $ \sum \limits_{k=0}^{+\infty} a_k$ converge.

Is it true that $\sum \limits_{k=0}^{+\infty} \sqrt{f(a_k)\times f^{-1}(a_k)}$ converge?
0 replies
Dattier
Yesterday at 12:46 PM
0 replies
Trigo or Complex no.?
hzbrl   6
N Yesterday at 11:42 AM by GreenKeeper
(a) Let $y=\cos \phi+\cos 2 \phi$, where $\phi=\frac{2 \pi}{5}$. Verify by direct substitution that $y$ satisfies the quadratic equation $2 y^2=3 y+2$ and deduce that the value of $y$ is $-\frac{1}{2}$.
(b) Let $\theta=\frac{2 \pi}{17}$. Show that $\sum_{k=0}^{16} \cos k \theta=0$
(c) If $z=\cos \theta+\cos 2 \theta+\cos 4 \theta+\cos 8 \theta$, show that the value of $z$ is $-(1-\sqrt{17}) / 4$.



I could solve (a) and (b). Can anyone help me with the 3rd part please?
6 replies
hzbrl
May 27, 2025
GreenKeeper
Yesterday at 11:42 AM
Handouts/Resources on Limits.
Saucepan_man02   0
Yesterday at 3:54 AM
Could anyone kindly share some resources/handouts on limits?
0 replies
Saucepan_man02
Yesterday at 3:54 AM
0 replies
IMC 1994 D2 P1
j___d   13
N Friday at 11:20 PM by krigger
Let $f\in C^1[a,b]$, $f(a)=0$ and suppose that $\lambda\in\mathbb R$, $\lambda >0$, is such that
$$|f'(x)|\leq \lambda |f(x)|$$for all $x\in [a,b]$. Is it true that $f(x)=0$ for all $x\in [a,b]$?
13 replies
j___d
Mar 6, 2017
krigger
Friday at 11:20 PM
Aproximate ln(2) using perfect numbers
YLG_123   5
N Friday at 8:55 PM by ei_killua_
Source: Brazilian Mathematical Olympiad 2024, Level U, Problem 1
A positive integer \(n\) is called perfect if the sum of its positive divisors \(\sigma(n)\) is twice \(n\), that is, \(\sigma(n) = 2n\). For example, \(6\) is a perfect number since the sum of its positive divisors is \(1 + 2 + 3 + 6 = 12\), which is twice \(6\). Prove that if \(n\) is a positive perfect integer, then:
\[
\sum_{p|n} \frac{1}{p + 1} < \ln 2 < \sum_{p|n} \frac{1}{p - 1}
\]where the sums are taken over all prime divisors \(p\) of \(n\).
5 replies
YLG_123
Oct 12, 2024
ei_killua_
Friday at 8:55 PM
Quadruple Binomial Coefficient Sum
P162008   4
N Friday at 8:40 PM by vmene
Source: Self made by my Elder brother
$\sum_{p=0}^{\infty} \sum_{r=0}^{\infty} \sum_{q=1}^{\infty} \sum_{s=0}^{p+q - 1} \frac{((-1)^{p+r+s+1})(2^{p+q-1}) \binom{p + q - s - 1}{p + q - 2s - 1}}{4^s(2p^2q + 2pqr + pq + qr)(2p + 2q + 2r + 3)}.$
4 replies
P162008
May 29, 2025
vmene
Friday at 8:40 PM
IMC 1994 D1 P5
j___d   5
N Friday at 5:39 PM by krigger
a) Let $f\in C[0,b]$, $g\in C(\mathbb R)$ and let $g$ be periodic with period $b$. Prove that $\int_0^b f(x) g(nx)\,\mathrm dx$ has a limit as $n\to\infty$ and
$$\lim_{n\to\infty}\int_0^b f(x)g(nx)\,\mathrm dx=\frac 1b \int_0^b f(x)\,\mathrm dx\cdot\int_0^b g(x)\,\mathrm dx$$
b) Find
$$\lim_{n\to\infty}\int_0^\pi \frac{\sin x}{1+3\cos^2nx}\,\mathrm dx$$
5 replies
j___d
Mar 6, 2017
krigger
Friday at 5:39 PM
Putnam 2019 A1
awesomemathlete   33
N Friday at 3:25 PM by cursed_tangent1434
Source: 2019 William Lowell Putnam Competition
Determine all possible values of $A^3+B^3+C^3-3ABC$ where $A$, $B$, and $C$ are nonnegative integers.
33 replies
awesomemathlete
Dec 10, 2019
cursed_tangent1434
Friday at 3:25 PM
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
388 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
3008 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
Y by
This problem was proposed by Regis Prado Barbosa, from Brazil.
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eg4334
636 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
5611 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
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#18
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Solution
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Aiden-1089
302 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
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#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
920 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
1926 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
297 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
1382 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
8872 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
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#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
674 posts
#32
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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
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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
138 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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