Question
Let p_n denote the total number of triangles formed by joining the vertices of an n-side regular polygon. If p_ n+1 - p_n = 66, then the sum of all distinct prime divisors of n is:
Let p_n denote the total number of triangles formed by joining the vertices of an n-side regular polygon. If p_ n+1 - p_n = 66, then the sum of all distinct prime divisors of n is:
C. 5
The number of triangles formed by joining the vertices of an n-sided regular polygon is given by p_n = ^ n C_ 3 . Given that p_ n+1 - p_n = 66. ^ n+1 C_ 3 - ^ n C_ 3 = 66 Using the property ^ n+1 C_ r - ^ n C_ r = ^ n C_ r-1 , we get: ^ n C_ 2 = 66 n(n-1) 2 = 66 n(n-1) = 132 n^2 - n - 132 = 0 (n-12)(n+11) = 0 Since n must be a positive integer, n = 12. The prime factorization of 12 is 2^2 3. The distinct prime divisors of 12 are 2 and 3. The sum of all distinct prime divisors of n is 2 + 3 = 5. Answer: 5
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