The expression $\left(1 + \frac{1}{3}\right)\left(1 + \frac{1}{4}\right)\left(1 + \frac{1}{5}\right)\cdots\left(1 + \frac{1}{n}\right)$ simplifies to
Aptitude
Simplification
Difficulty: Medium
Choose an option
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A$\frac{n + 1}{3}
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B$\frac{n}{n + 1}$
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C$\frac{3}{n}$
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D$1 + \frac{1}{3} \cdot \frac{1}{4} \cdot \frac{1}{5} \cdots \frac{1}{n}$
Answer
Correct Answer: $\frac{n + 1}{3}$
Explanation
### Concept & Formula
This represents an additive telescoping product. When terms are simplified, the numerator of each fraction cancels out with the denominator of the subsequent fraction.
### Step-by-Step Solution
Simplify each term in the product:
$$1 + \frac{1}{3} = \frac{4}{3}$$
$$1 + \frac{1}{4} = \frac{5}{4}$$
$$1 + \frac{1}{5} = \frac{6}{5}$$
$$\vdots$$
$$1 + \frac{1}{n} = \frac{n + 1}{n}$$
Write the complete product using these simplified forms:
$$\left(\frac{4}{3}\right) \times \left(\frac{5}{4}\right) \times \left(\frac{6}{5}\right) \times \cdots \times \left(\frac{n}{n-1}\right) \times \left(\frac{n+1}{n}\right)$$
Observe the cancellation pattern: the numerator of the first term ($4$) cancels with the denominator of the second term ($4$), and so on.
The only terms that survive the cancellation are the first denominator and the last numerator:
$$\frac{n + 1}{3}$$
### Exam Strategy & Shortcut
Test the series with a small value, say $n = 4$:
$$\left(1 + \frac{1}{3}\right)\left(1 + \frac{1}{4}\right) = \frac{4}{3} \times \frac{5}{4} = \frac{5}{3}$$
Substitute $n = 4$ into the options:
Option (a): $\frac{4 + 1}{3} = \frac{5}{3}$
This perfectly matches our tested result.
### Common Pitfall
Ensure you track whether it is the numerator or the denominator that survives at each end. For positive terms ($1 + \frac{1}{k}$), the larger value survives on top, and the smaller value survives on the bottom.
### Final Answer
**Therefore, the correct answer is (n + 1)/3.**