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k a April Highlights and 2025 AoPS Online Class Information
jlacosta   0
Apr 2, 2025
Spring is in full swing and summer is right around the corner, what are your plans? At AoPS Online our schedule has new classes starting now through July, so be sure to keep your skills sharp and be prepared for the Fall school year! Check out the schedule of upcoming classes below.

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0 replies
jlacosta
Apr 2, 2025
0 replies
k i Adding contests to the Contest Collections
dcouchman   1
N Apr 5, 2023 by v_Enhance
Want to help AoPS remain a valuable Olympiad resource? Help us add contests to AoPS's Contest Collections.

Find instructions and a list of contests to add here: https://artofproblemsolving.com/community/c40244h1064480_contests_to_add
1 reply
dcouchman
Sep 9, 2019
v_Enhance
Apr 5, 2023
k i Zero tolerance
ZetaX   49
N May 4, 2019 by NoDealsHere
Source: Use your common sense! (enough is enough)
Some users don't want to learn, some other simply ignore advises.
But please follow the following guideline:


To make it short: ALWAYS USE YOUR COMMON SENSE IF POSTING!
If you don't have common sense, don't post.


More specifically:

For new threads:


a) Good, meaningful title:
The title has to say what the problem is about in best way possible.
If that title occured already, it's definitely bad. And contest names aren't good either.
That's in fact a requirement for being able to search old problems.

Examples:
Bad titles:
- "Hard"/"Medium"/"Easy" (if you find it so cool how hard/easy it is, tell it in the post and use a title that tells us the problem)
- "Number Theory" (hey guy, guess why this forum's named that way¿ and is it the only such problem on earth¿)
- "Fibonacci" (there are millions of Fibonacci problems out there, all posted and named the same...)
- "Chinese TST 2003" (does this say anything about the problem¿)
Good titles:
- "On divisors of a³+2b³+4c³-6abc"
- "Number of solutions to x²+y²=6z²"
- "Fibonacci numbers are never squares"


b) Use search function:
Before posting a "new" problem spend at least two, better five, minutes to look if this problem was posted before. If it was, don't repost it. If you have anything important to say on topic, post it in one of the older threads.
If the thread is locked cause of this, use search function.

Update (by Amir Hossein). The best way to search for two keywords in AoPS is to input
[code]+"first keyword" +"second keyword"[/code]
so that any post containing both strings "first word" and "second form".


c) Good problem statement:
Some recent really bad post was:
[quote]$lim_{n\to 1}^{+\infty}\frac{1}{n}-lnn$[/quote]
It contains no question and no answer.
If you do this, too, you are on the best way to get your thread deleted. Write everything clearly, define where your variables come from (and define the "natural" numbers if used). Additionally read your post at least twice before submitting. After you sent it, read it again and use the Edit-Button if necessary to correct errors.


For answers to already existing threads:


d) Of any interest and with content:
Don't post things that are more trivial than completely obvious. For example, if the question is to solve $x^{3}+y^{3}=z^{3}$, do not answer with "$x=y=z=0$ is a solution" only. Either you post any kind of proof or at least something unexpected (like "$x=1337, y=481, z=42$ is the smallest solution). Someone that does not see that $x=y=z=0$ is a solution of the above without your post is completely wrong here, this is an IMO-level forum.
Similar, posting "I have solved this problem" but not posting anything else is not welcome; it even looks that you just want to show off what a genius you are.

e) Well written and checked answers:
Like c) for new threads, check your solutions at least twice for mistakes. And after sending, read it again and use the Edit-Button if necessary to correct errors.



To repeat it: ALWAYS USE YOUR COMMON SENSE IF POSTING!


Everything definitely out of range of common sense will be locked or deleted (exept for new users having less than about 42 posts, they are newbies and need/get some time to learn).

The above rules will be applied from next monday (5. march of 2007).
Feel free to discuss on this here.
49 replies
ZetaX
Feb 27, 2007
NoDealsHere
May 4, 2019
F=(F^3+F^3)/9-2F^3
Yiyj1   0
10 minutes ago
Source: 101 Algebra Problems for the AMSP
Define the Fibonacci sequence $F_n$ as $$F_1=F_2=1, F_{n+1}+F_n=F_{n-1}$$fir $n \in \mathbb{N}$. Prove that $$F_{2n}=\dfrac{F_{2n+2}^3+F_{2n-2}^3}{9}-2F_{2n}^3$$for all $n \ge 2$.
0 replies
+1 w
Yiyj1
10 minutes ago
0 replies
4 lines concurrent
Zavyk09   2
N 14 minutes ago by aidenkim119
Source: Homework
Let $ABC$ be triangle with circumcenter $(O)$ and orthocenter $H$. $BH, CH$ intersect $(O)$ again at $K, L$ respectively. Lines through $H$ parallel to $AB, AC$ intersects $AC, AB$ at $E, F$ respectively. Point $D$ such that $HKDL$ is a parallelogram. Prove that lines $KE, LF$ and $AD$ are concurrent at a point on $OH$.
2 replies
+1 w
Zavyk09
Yesterday at 11:51 AM
aidenkim119
14 minutes ago
Inequality => square
Rushil   13
N 21 minutes ago by mqoi_KOLA
Source: INMO 1998 Problem 4
Suppose $ABCD$ is a cyclic quadrilateral inscribed in a circle of radius one unit. If $AB \cdot BC \cdot CD \cdot DA \geq 4$, prove that $ABCD$ is a square.
13 replies
Rushil
Oct 7, 2005
mqoi_KOLA
21 minutes ago
Thanks u!
Ruji2018252   3
N 29 minutes ago by sqing
Let $a^2+b^2+c^2-2a-4b-4c=7(a,b,c\in\mathbb{R})$
Find minimum $T=2a+3b+6c$
3 replies
Ruji2018252
Yesterday at 5:52 PM
sqing
29 minutes ago
where a, b, c are positive real numbers
eyesofgod1930   2
N 31 minutes ago by sqing
where $a, b, c$ are positive real numbers.Prove that
$\frac{4}{\sqrt{a^{2}+b^{2}+c^{2}+4}}-\frac{9}{\sqrt{(a+b)\sqrt{(a+2c)(b+2c)}}}\leq \frac{5}{8}$
2 replies
eyesofgod1930
Jun 8, 2020
sqing
31 minutes ago
NT function debut
AshAuktober   4
N 36 minutes ago by AshAuktober
Source: 2025 Nepal Practice TST 3 P2 of 3; Own
Let $f$ be a function taking in positive integers and outputting nonnegative integers, defined as follows:
$f(m)$ is the number of positive integers $n$ with $n \le m$ such that the equation $$an + bm = m^2 + n^2 + 1$$has an integer solution $(a, b)$.
Find all positive integers $x$ such that$f(x) \ne 0$ and $$f(f(x)) = f(x) - 1.$$(Adit Aggarwal, India.)
4 replies
AshAuktober
Yesterday at 3:53 PM
AshAuktober
36 minutes ago
Inspired by 2025 Nepal
sqing   1
N an hour ago by sqing
Source: Own
Let $ a, b, c $ be positive reals such that $ a+b +c+abc = 4 $. Prove that
$$ \frac{1}{a+1} + \frac{1}{b+1} + \frac{1}{c+ 1}\leq\frac{3}{2}(2 - abc) $$$$ \frac{1}{ab+1} + \frac{1}{bc+1} + \frac{1}{ca + 1}\leq\frac{3}{2}(2 - abc) $$
1 reply
1 viewing
sqing
an hour ago
sqing
an hour ago
Inspired by Ruji2018252
sqing   0
an hour ago
Source: Own
Let $ a,b,c $ be reals such that $ a^2+b^2+c^2-2a-4b-4c=7. $ Prove that
$$ -4\leq 2a+b+2c\leq 20$$$$5-4\sqrt 3\leq a+b+c\leq 5+4\sqrt 3$$$$ 11-4\sqrt {14}\leq a+2b+3c\leq 11+4\sqrt {14}$$
0 replies
sqing
an hour ago
0 replies
Isos Trap
MithsApprentice   38
N 2 hours ago by eg4334
Source: USAMO 1999 Problem 6
Let $ABCD$ be an isosceles trapezoid with $AB \parallel CD$. The inscribed circle $\omega$ of triangle $BCD$ meets $CD$ at $E$. Let $F$ be a point on the (internal) angle bisector of $\angle DAC$ such that $EF \perp CD$. Let the circumscribed circle of triangle $ACF$ meet line $CD$ at $C$ and $G$. Prove that the triangle $AFG$ is isosceles.
38 replies
MithsApprentice
Oct 3, 2005
eg4334
2 hours ago
Funny function that there isn't exist
ItzsleepyXD   0
2 hours ago
Source: Own, Modified from old problem
Determine all functions $f\colon\mathbb{Z}_{>0}\to\mathbb{Z}_{>0}$ such that, for all positive integers $m$ and $n$,
$$ m^{\phi(n)}+n^{\phi(m)} \mid f(m)^n + f(n)^m$$
0 replies
1 viewing
ItzsleepyXD
2 hours ago
0 replies
Inspired by Deomad123
sqing   3
N 2 hours ago by sqing
Source: Own
Let $ a,b,c $ be real numbers so that $ a+2b+3c=2 $ and $ 2ab+6bc+3ca =1. $ Show that
$$\frac{10}{9} \leq a+2b+ c\leq 2 $$$$\frac{11-\sqrt{13}}{9} \leq a+b+c\leq \frac{11+\sqrt{13}}{9} $$$$\frac{29-\sqrt{13}}{9} \leq 2a+3b+4c\leq \frac{29+\sqrt{13}}{9} $$
3 replies
sqing
Yesterday at 2:28 PM
sqing
2 hours ago
Incircle and circumcircle
stergiu   6
N 2 hours ago by Sadigly
Source: tst- Greece 2019
Let a triangle $ABC$ inscribed in a circle $\Gamma$ with center $O$. Let $I$ the incenter of triangle $ABC$ and $D, E, F$ the contact points of the incircle with sides $BC, AC, AB$ of triangle $ABC$ respectively . Let also $S$ the foot of the perpendicular line from $D$ to the line $EF$.Prove that line $SI$ passes from the antidiametric point $N$ of $A$ in the circle $\Gamma$.( $AN$ is a diametre of the circle $\Gamma$).
6 replies
stergiu
Sep 23, 2019
Sadigly
2 hours ago
2011-gon
3333   27
N 2 hours ago by Maximilian113
Source: All-Russian 2011
A convex 2011-gon is drawn on the board. Peter keeps drawing its diagonals in such a way, that each newly drawn diagonal intersected no more than one of the already drawn diagonals. What is the greatest number of diagonals that Peter can draw?
27 replies
3333
May 17, 2011
Maximilian113
2 hours ago
ISL 2015 C4 But I misread statement (ii)
ItzsleepyXD   1
N 3 hours ago by golue3120
Source: ISL 2015 C4 misread
Let $n$ be a positive integer. Two players $A$ and $B$ play a game in which they take turns choosing positive integers $k \le n$. The rules of the game are:

(i) A player cannot choose a number that has been chosen by either player on any previous turn.
(ii) A player cannot choose a number consecutive to any number chosen by any player on any turn.
(iii) The game is a draw if all numbers have been chosen; otherwise the player who cannot choose a number anymore loses the game.

The player $A$ takes the first turn. Determine the outcome of the game, assuming that both players use optimal strategies.

note
1 reply
ItzsleepyXD
3 hours ago
golue3120
3 hours ago
the epitome of olympiad nt
youlost_thegame_1434   30
N Apr 2, 2025 by Jupiterballs
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 $E_{10}(m) < E_9(m)$.
30 replies
youlost_thegame_1434
Jul 17, 2024
Jupiterballs
Apr 2, 2025
the epitome of olympiad nt
G H J
Source: 2023 IMO Shortlist N3
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youlost_thegame_1434
31 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
31 posts
#2 • 17 Y
Y by Upwgs_2008, pingupignu, egxa, ehuseyinyigit, avisioner, khina, levimpcbranco, LLL2019, cj13609517288, Sedro, KnowingAnt, Scilyse, aidan0626, Assassino9931, HoRI_DA_GRe8, OlympusHero, navier3072
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
1594 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
2885 posts
#6
Y by
Solution
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blueberryfaygo_55
339 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
629 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
1055 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
5556 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
86 posts
#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
1386 posts
#18
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Solution
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Aiden-1089
277 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
885 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
81 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
1881 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
256 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
1238 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
8857 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
43 posts
#30
Y by
Legandre second form then construction
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Draq
11 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
330 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
530 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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