Bunuel
fla162
For every positive even integer n, the function h(n) is defined to be the product of all even integers from 2 to n, inclusive. For instance, h(10)= 2x4x6x8x10. What is the greatest prime factor of h(28)+h(30)?
a) 5
b) 7
c) 13
d) 29
e) 31
\(h(28) = 2*4*6*...*28 = (2*1)*(2*2)*(2*3)*...*(2*14) = 2^{14}*14!\)
\(h(30) = 2*4*6*...*28*30 = (2*1)*(2*2)*(2*3)*...*(2*14)*(2*15) = 2^{15}*15!\)
\(h(28) + h(30) = 2^{14}*14! + 2^{15}*15! = 2^{14}*14!(1 + 2*15) = 2^{14}*14!*31\).
Answer: E.
Could someone please explain or show how the terms are factored to arrive at the final simplifed expression? I know that factoring is happening with both the factorials and the exponents—but precisely how, step by step, are the exponent and factorial terms drawn (factored) out? I think I've worked through the process, but I don't think I'd feel confident attacking a similar problem. For example, why exactly does it become (1 + 2*15) and not (2 + 1*15). I'd very much like to see the steps so I can practice them. Thanks!