Zero Factorial

Discussion in 'Algebra' started by nycmathguy, Jul 29, 2021.

  1. nycmathguy

    nycmathguy

    Joined:
    Jun 27, 2021
    Messages:
    5,386
    Likes Received:
    422
    Why is zero factorial 1?

    In other words, 0! = 1. Why?
     
    nycmathguy, Jul 29, 2021
    #1
  2. nycmathguy

    MathLover1

    Joined:
    Jun 27, 2021
    Messages:
    2,989
    Likes Received:
    2,884
    0! =1 because there is only a single possible arrangement of this data set (n=1)

    [​IMG]


    For the equation to be true, we must force the value of zero factorial to equal 1, and no other. Otherwise, 1!≠1 which is a contradiction.

    So yes, 0! = 1 is correct because mathematicians agreed to define it that way (nothing more and nothing less) in order to be consistent with the rest of mathematics.
     
    MathLover1, Jul 29, 2021
    #2
    nycmathguy likes this.
  3. nycmathguy

    nycmathguy

    Joined:
    Jun 27, 2021
    Messages:
    5,386
    Likes Received:
    422
    Cool math notes.

    Can you check two unanswered threads?

    1. Horsepower Function
    2. Describing Transformations

    Thanks
     
    nycmathguy, Jul 29, 2021
    #3
Ask a Question

Want to reply to this thread or ask your own question?

You'll need to choose a username for the site, which only take a couple of moments (here). After that, you can post your question and our members will help you out.
Similar Threads
There are no similar threads yet.
Loading...