Question

If P (n, 5) = 20. P(n, 3), find n ?

Answer 1

P (n, 5) = 20. P(n, 3)

\[\Rightarrow \frac{n!}{(n - 5)!} = 20 \times \frac{n!}{(n - 3)!}\]
\[ \Rightarrow \frac{n!}{n!} = 20 \times \frac{(n - 5)!}{(n - 3)!}\]
\[ \Rightarrow 1 = 20 \times \frac{(n - 5)!}{(n - 3)(n - 4)(n - 5)!}\]
\[ \Rightarrow (n - 3)(n - 4) = 20\]
\[ \Rightarrow (n - 3)(n - 4) = 5 \times 4\]
\[\text{On comparing the two sides, we get}: \]
\[ \Rightarrow n - 3 = 5\]
\[ \Rightarrow n = 8\]