Question: For every positive integer \(x\), \(f(x)\) represents the greatest prime factor of \(x!\), and \(g(x)\) represents the smallest prime factor of \(2^x+1\). What is \((g(f(12))\)? \(f(x) =\) The greatest prime factor of \(12!\)
\(f(12) =\) The greatest prime factor of \(12!\)
\(12! =\text{12 }\times\text{ }\)
\(11\) \(\times\text{ 10 }\times\text{9 }\times\text{8 }\times\text{7 }\times\text{6 }\times\text{5 }\times\text{4 }\times\text{3 }\times\text{2 }\times\text{1 }\)
\(11\)\(=\) Greatest Prime Factor
\(g(x) =\) The smallest prime factor of \(2^x+1\)
\(g(\)
\(11\)\() =2^{11}+1\)
Since \(2^{11}\) is a little much to calculate without a calculator, start small and look for a pattern.
\[
\begin{vmatrix*}
2^x & + & 1 & = & # & \to & \div 3?\\
2^1 & + & 1 & = & 3 & \to & Yes \\
2^2 & + & 1 & = & 5 & \to & No \\
2^3 & + & 1 & = & 9 & \to & Yes \\
2^4 & + & 1 & = & 17 & \to & No \\
2^5 & + & 1 & = & 33 & \to & Yes
\end{vmatrix*}
\\
\text{Pattern #1: Every answer is odd and therefore not divisible by 2.}\\
\text{Pattern #2: Every odd exponent of 2 with the addition of 1, equals an answer divisible by 3.}\\
\]
\(\text{Since }2^{11} \text{ has an odd exponent, the final answer will be divisible by 3.}\)
\(\text{Therefore, 3 is the smallest prime factor of } (2^{11}+1)\).
Correct Answer: B. 3