5. The number e is defined as the sum of the reciprocals of the fac- torials,42 If e were rational, let n be its denominator when rep- resented as a fraction, let x be the sum of the terms up to 1/n! and let y be the sum of the rest of the terms. Demonstrate in this case that n! · x is an integer and n! · e is an integer, and that 0 < n! · y < 1. Use this to achieve a contradiction, and fill in the steps to prove that e is irrational.

Holt Mcdougal Larson Pre-algebra: Student Edition 2012
1st Edition
ISBN:9780547587776
Author:HOLT MCDOUGAL
Publisher:HOLT MCDOUGAL
Chapter5: Rational Numbers And Equations
Section5.1: Rational Numbers
Problem 26E
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Number Theory

5. The number e is defined as the sum of the reciprocals of the fac-
torials,42 If e were rational, let n be its denominator when rep-
resented as a fraction, let x be the sum of the terms up to 1/n!
and let y be the sum of the rest of the terms. Demonstrate in
this case that n! · x is an integer and n! · e is an integer, and that
0 < n! · y < 1. Use this to achieve a contradiction, and fill in the
steps to prove that e is irrational.
Transcribed Image Text:5. The number e is defined as the sum of the reciprocals of the fac- torials,42 If e were rational, let n be its denominator when rep- resented as a fraction, let x be the sum of the terms up to 1/n! and let y be the sum of the rest of the terms. Demonstrate in this case that n! · x is an integer and n! · e is an integer, and that 0 < n! · y < 1. Use this to achieve a contradiction, and fill in the steps to prove that e is irrational.
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