Three-four-five in Pascal's triangle

Some row of Pascal's triangle contains three consecutive entries in the ratio 3:4:53 : 4 : 5. What is the smallest row index nn for which this happens? (Row nn has entries (n0),…,(nn)\binom{n}{0}, \dots, \binom{n}{n}.)

Show hints (2)+
  1. Consecutive-entry ratio: (nk+1)/(nk)=(n−k)/(k+1)\binom{n}{k+1}/\binom{n}{k} = (n-k)/(k+1). Set the two ratios to 4/34/3 and 5/45/4.
  2. That gives 3n=7k+43n=7k+4 and 4n=9k+144n=9k+14. Solve for kk, then nn.

Answer

Reveal answer →

62

Create a free account to see the full worked solution and track your progress.

Interview format: Market Maker, Hedge Fund Quant

Related questions