For an integer $n$, $n! = n(n - 1) (n - 2)............. 3.2.1.$ Then, $1! + 2! + 3! + ........ + 100!$ when divided by $5$ leaves remainder
Aptitude
Number System
Difficulty: Easy
Choose an option
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A0
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B1
-
C2
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D3
Answer
Correct Answer: 3
Explanation
### Concept & Logic
In modular arithmetic, the remainder of a sum is equal to the sum of the remainders. For any factorial $n!$ where $n \ge 5$, the expansion includes the factor $5$ (e.g., $5! = 5 \times 4 \times 3 \times 2 \times 1$). Therefore, all factorials from $5!$ onwards are perfectly divisible by $5$ and leave a remainder of $0$.
### Step-by-Step Solution
* **Given:**
* Expression: $1! + 2! + 3! + ... + 100!$
* Divisor: $5$
* **Calculation / Deduction:**
1. Break the series into two parts: terms before $5!$ and terms from $5!$ onwards.
$$ (1! + 2! + 3! + 4!) + (5! + 6! + ... + 100!) $$
2. Analyze the second part. Since $5!, 6!, 7!$, etc., all contain $5$ as a multiplier, their remainders when divided by $5$ are strictly $0$.
3. Calculate the exact value of the first part:
$1! = 1$
$2! = 2$
$3! = 6$
$4! = 24$
4. Sum these initial terms:
$1 + 2 + 6 + 24 = 33$
5. Find the remainder when $33$ is divided by $5$.
$33 / 5 = 6$ with a remainder of $3$.
### Exam Strategy & Shortcut
Recognize immediately that $5!$ and beyond contribute nothing to the remainder when dividing by $5$. Simply compute $1 + 2 + 6 + 24 = 33$, and visually see that $33$ ends in $3$. Since numbers ending in $0$ or $5$ are divisible by $5$, the remainder is just the units digit $3$.
### Common Pitfall
Students often get intimidated by the $100!$ and attempt to find a complex pattern or formula for the entire series, wasting time. Remembering that factorials quickly absorb all small prime factors is key.
### Final Answer
Therefore, the correct answer is 3.