In polynomial modular arithmetic, prime-row binomial coefficient divisibility gives . Multiply by and compare coefficients of for ; the term cannot contribute.
// Target: foundations-of-mathematics.bigb
Past exam of the mathematics course of the University of Cambridge 2006 ia Paper 4 2E Solution Created 2026-09-24 Updated 2026-10-14
For integers , the binomial coefficient isthe 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 , thenThe right side is divisible by , while is coprime to . Cancellation modulo proves the prime-row binomial coefficient divisibilityApply the binomial theorem in the polynomial ring modulo . The intermediate coefficients just proved to vanish giveMultiplying by yieldsFor , the factor cannot contribute to the coefficient of . Comparing coefficients proves the binomial coefficient congruence across a prime rowThis also covers , when both sides are one.