Difference between revisions of "Factorial"
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| − | The '''factorial''' is an important | + | The '''factorial''' is an important function in [[combinatorics]] and [[analysis]], used to determine the number of ways to arrange objects. |
=== Definition === | === Definition === | ||
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By convention, <math>0!</math> is given the value <math>1</math>. | By convention, <math>0!</math> is given the value <math>1</math>. | ||
| − | The [[gamma function]] is a generalization of the factorial to values other than | + | The [[gamma function]] is a generalization of the factorial to values other than nonnegative integers. |
=== Uses === | === Uses === | ||
Revision as of 15:52, 23 June 2006
The factorial is an important function in combinatorics and analysis, used to determine the number of ways to arrange objects.
Definition
The factorial is defined for positive integers as 
Alternatively, a recursive definition for the factorial is: 
.
Additional Information
By convention, 
is given the value 
.
The gamma function is a generalization of the factorial to values other than nonnegative integers.
Uses
The factorial is used in the definitions of combinations and permutations, as 
is the number of ways to order 
distinct objects.
