For integers , the binomial coefficient is
the number of -element subsets of an -element set. It is zero outside that range. To obtain Pascal's identity, distinguish one element of an -element set. An -element subset either omits it, giving choices, or contains it, leaving choices. These cases are disjoint and exhaustive, so
If is a prime number and , then
The right side is divisible by , while is coprime to . Cancellation modulo proves the prime-row binomial coefficient divisibility
Apply the binomial theorem in the polynomial ring modulo . The intermediate coefficients just proved to vanish give
Multiplying by yields
For , the factor cannot contribute to the coefficient of . Comparing coefficients proves the binomial coefficient congruence across a prime row
This also covers , when both sides are one.