If $1 \times 2 \times 3 \times ........ \times n$ is denoted by $\lfloor n$, then $\lfloor 8 - \lfloor 7 - \lfloor 6$ is equal to
Aptitude
Number System
Difficulty: Medium
Choose an option
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A$6 \times 7 \times \lfloor 8$
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B$7 \times 8 \times \lfloor 7$
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C$6 \times 8 \times \lfloor 6$
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D$7 \times 8 \times \lfloor 6$
Answer
Correct Answer: $6 \times 8 \times \lfloor 6$
Explanation
### Concept & Formula
This question tests the fundamental property of factorials. The symbol $\lfloor n$ is an older notation representing $n!$ (n factorial).
The core formula used to simplify factorials is:
$$n! = n \times (n-1)!$$
### Step-by-Step Solution
* **Given:**
* The expression: $\lfloor 8 - \lfloor 7 - \lfloor 6$ (which translates to $8! - 7! - 6!$)
* **Calculation / Deduction:**
1. To subtract these terms easily, express the larger factorials in terms of the smallest factorial in the expression ($6!$).
$$8! = 8 \times 7 \times 6! = 56 \times 6!$$
$$7! = 7 \times 6!$$
2. Substitute these expanded forms back into the original expression:
$$(56 \times 6!) - (7 \times 6!) - (1 \times 6!)$$
3. Factor out the common term, $6!$:
$$6! \times (56 - 7 - 1)$$
4. Simplify the numbers inside the bracket:
$$56 - 7 - 1 = 48$$
So, the expression becomes $48 \times 6!$.
5. Look at the options. We need to factor $48$ into $6 \times 8$ to match the format of the given answers:
$$48 \times 6! = 6 \times 8 \times \lfloor 6$$
### Exam Strategy & Shortcut
Whenever you see addition or subtraction of consecutive factorials, immediately factor out the smallest one.
$8! - 7! - 6! \rightarrow 6!(8 \times 7 - 7 - 1) = 6!(56 - 8) = 6! \times 48$. Scanning the options, only option (c) has $6 \times 8 = 48$ multiplied by $\lfloor 6$. This takes under 20 seconds.
### Common Pitfall
Students unfamiliar with the old factorial notation $\lfloor n$ might mistake it for an absolute value, floor function, or right-angle bracket, leading to nonsensical arithmetic like $8 - 7 - 6$. Always recognize this symbol in Indian competitive exams as a factorial.
### Final Answer
Therefore, the correct answer is $6 \times 8 \times \lfloor 6$.