2003 AMC 10B Problem 18
Problem 18 of 25IntermediateNumber Theory
What is the largest integer that is a divisor of
for all positive even integers
Answer choices
Show solution
Solution
When is even, the factors are five consecutive odd numbers. Among any five consecutive odd numbers, at least one is divisible by and exactly one by so the product is always divisible by
To prove that no larger fixed divisor is forced, compare three cases: The greatest common divisor of these three products is exactly so a divisor common to every case cannot be any larger.
Thus, the correct answer is D.