Using the whole alphabet!

Algebra Level 1

Let a = 1 a = 1 , b = 3 b = 3 , c = 5... c = 5 ... x = 47 x = 47 , y = 49 y = 49 , and z = 51. z = 51.

Find the numerical value of ( x − a ) ( x − b ) ( x − c ) . . . ( x − z ) (x-a)(x-b)(x-c)...(x-z)

(For a real challenge, do it without using a calculator.)


The answer is 0.

Denton Young by Denton Young , 47, USA

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2 solutions

Denton Young
Jul 6, 2016

One of the terms is (x-x), which is zero. Since we're doing a multiplication, any term being zero makes the entire answer zero.

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Moderator note:

Simple standard approach.

Paul Ryan Longhas
Jul 10, 2016

(x-x) = 0. So, the product is

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