(a%2B2)(a%2B3)(a%2B4)-3.jpeg "(a+1)(a+2)(a+3)(a+4)-3")
Exploring the Expression (a+1)(a+2)(a+3)(a+4)-3
This article delves into the intriguing expression (a+1)(a+2)(a+3)(a+4)-3. We will explore its properties, try to simplify it, and discover its relationship with factorials.
Expanding the Expression
The first step towards understanding this expression is to expand it. We can do this by successively multiplying the terms:
(a+1)(a+2)(a+3)(a+4)-3 = [(a+1)(a+2)][(a+3)(a+4)] -3 = (a^2 + 3a + 2)(a^2 + 7a + 12) -3 = a^4 + 10a^3 + 35a^2 + 50a + 21
This expanded form gives us a better view of the expression's structure, highlighting its polynomial nature with a degree of 4.
Factoring the Expression
Although the expanded form is useful, it doesn't reveal much about the expression's potential factors. Let's try a different approach. We can rewrite the expression as:
(a+1)(a+2)(a+3)(a+4)-3 = (a+1)(a+2)(a+3)(a+4) - 123
Notice the similarity between the first part and the second part. This hints at a potential factorization.
Let's try grouping the terms:
(a+1)(a+2)(a+3)(a+4)-3 = [(a+1)(a+4)] [(a+2)(a+3)] - 123 = (a^2 + 5a + 4)(a^2 + 5a + 6) - 123
Now, let's substitute 'b' for (a^2 + 5a):
(a^2 + 5a + 4)(a^2 + 5a + 6) - 123 = (b+4)(b+6) - 123 = b^2 + 10b + 24 - 6 = b^2 + 10b + 18
Finally, substituting 'b' back:
b^2 + 10b + 18 = (a^2 + 5a)^2 + 10(a^2 + 5a) + 18
This factorization highlights the expression's relationship with the quadratic formula.
Relation to Factorials
Looking at the original expression, we can see a connection to factorials. Factorials are defined as the product of all positive integers less than or equal to a given positive integer.
(a+1)(a+2)(a+3)(a+4)-3 resembles the factorial of (a+4) minus 3.
However, it's important to note that the expression is not a true factorial due to the subtraction of 3.
Conclusion
The expression (a+1)(a+2)(a+3)(a+4)-3, though seemingly complex, can be explored and understood by expanding, factoring, and observing its connection to factorials. This exploration reveals its polynomial structure, its relationship with quadratic formulas, and its potential for further analysis.