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Lyndon explains why this is one of his favourite NRICH problems.

I like the twist that means you need to take a little care - you need to worry about detail.

Although it uses factorial notation, this is only a very minor part of the problem- basically it means you can make your point succinctly - that is what mathematical notation is all about.


Possible extension.
My additional question of how many zeros also points out that an apparently closed problem can be easily opened up, with further questions to be asked.

This problem is a special case of Factorial Fun.

Possible support
See also Powerful Factorial and Factoring Factorials which are also special cases.


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The NRICH Project aims to enrich the mathematical experiences of all learners. To support this aim, members of the NRICH team work in a wide range of capacities, including providing professional development for teachers wishing to embed rich mathematical tasks into everyday classroom practice.

NRICH is part of the family of activities in the Millennium Mathematics Project.

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