+ 3

Is this a true conclusion? "Except 1 and 2, any numbers factorial is divisible by 3"

hi all, I've observed some kind of pattern on factorial values plenty integer numbers and I observed two patterns that I don't know before. 1. except 1! and 2!, all of my tests resulted​ on some number divisible by 3. example: 5!==120, 120%3==0 2. except 1! and 2!, the sum of the digits of the factorial values are divisible by 3 too. example: 5!==120, 1+2+0==3, 3%3==0.

25th Jul 2017, 2:46 AM
Millo
Millo - avatar
5 odpowiedzi
+ 11
Well, yes. A factorial of a natural number x where x >2 means that 3 will be used in the factorial of x. (3 will be multiplied by every other natural number up to x) So when you are testing if it is a divisor, it must be, because you are just dividing that 3 out that you multiplied in earlier. Hope my reasoning makes sense..🖒
25th Jul 2017, 2:58 AM
J.G.
J.G. - avatar
+ 5
J.G. Yes, your reasoning is Awesome! Your answer nails it! Haha...!
1st Aug 2017, 4:06 AM
Vj N
Vj N - avatar
+ 3
I see. any factorial value is the product of consecutive natural numbers​. hence, divisible by these natural numbers.! I love sololearn!
31st Jul 2017, 3:39 PM
Millo
Millo - avatar
+ 3
good conclusion @jonas
31st Jul 2017, 3:40 PM
Millo
Millo - avatar
+ 1
I want to add something. Your second point is connected with your first one. A number whose digit's sum is divisible by 3 has to be divisible by 3 too.
25th Jul 2017, 6:32 AM
Jonas Schröter
Jonas Schröter - avatar