NumberTheoryBasic AIME Intermediate
2010


Problem - 296
Let $K$ be the product of all factors $(b-a)$ (not necessarily distinct) where $a$ and $b$ are integers satisfying $1\le a < b \le 20$. Find the greatest positive integer $n$ such that $2^n$ divides $K$.

In general, there are $20-n$ pairs of integers $(a, b)$ that differ by $n$ because we can let $b$ be any integer from $n+1$ to $20$ and set $a$ equal to $b-n$. Thus, the product is $(1^{19})(2^{18})\cdots(19^1)$ (or alternatively, $19! \cdot 18! \cdots 1!$.) When we count the number of factors of $2$, we have 4 groups, factors that are divisible by $2$ at least once, twice, three times and four times. Number that are divisible by $2$ at least once: $2, 4, \cdots, 18$ Exponent corresponding to each one of them $18, 16, \cdots 2$ Sum $=2+4+\cdots+18=\frac{(20)(9)}{2}=90$ Number that are divisible by $2$ at least twice: $4, 8, \cdots, 16$ Exponent corresponding to each one of them $16, 12, \cdots 4$ Sum $=4+8+\cdots+16=\frac{(20)(4)}{2}=40$ Number that are divisible by $2$ at least three times: $8,16$ Exponent corresponding to each one of them $12, 4$ Sum $=12+4=16$ Number that are divisible by $2$ at least four times: $16$ Exponent corresponding to each one of them $4$ Sum $=4$ Summing these give an answer of $\boxed{150}$.

report an error