The maximum value of the natural number n for which 21n divides 50! is
Explanation:
21 = 3 × 7
Now, to calculate highest power of a prime number p in N!, we add all the quotients when N is successively divided by p.
So, highest power of 3 in 50! is: Q(50/3) = 16 Q(16/3) = 5 Q(5/3) = 1 ∴ Highest power of 3 in 50! = 16 + 5 + 1 = 22
So, highest power of 7 in 50! is: Q(50/7) = 7 Q(7/7) = 1 ∴ Highest power of 7 in 50! = 7 + 1 = 8
So when 50! is written in prime factorised form it will be: ⇒ 50! = 322 × 78 [There will be power of other prime numbers as well but that is immaterial for this question] ⇒ 50! = 314 × 38 × 78 ⇒ 50! = 314 × (3 × 7)8 ⇒ 50! = 314 × 218
∴ Highest power of 21 in 50! is 8, hence 218 can divided 50!.
Hence, option (c).
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