Sign in
Please select an account to continue using cracku.in
↓ →
For any natural number k , let $$a_{k}=3^{k}$$. The smallest natural number m for which $$\left\{(a_{1})^{1}\times(a_{2})^{2}\times...\times(a_{20})^{20}\right\}<\left\{a_{21}\times a_{22}\times...\times a_{20+m}\right\}$$, is
Given expression is $$\left\{(a_{1})^{1}\times(a_{2})^{2}\times...\times(a_{20})^{20}\right\}<\left\{a_{21}\times a_{22}\times...\times a_{20+m}\right\}$$,
$$\left\{(a_{1})^{1}\times(a_{2})^{2}\times...\times(a_{20})^{20}\right\}$$ = $$\left\{3^1\times3^4\times3^9...\times3^{400}\right\}$$
Sum of square of n natural numbers is $$\frac{n\cdot\left(n+1\right)\cdot\left(2n+1\right)}{6}$$
= $$3^{\dfrac{\left(20\cdot21\cdot41\right)}{6}}$$ = $$3^{2870}$$
On right hand side of inequlaity we have $$\left\{a_{21}\times a_{22}\times...\times a_{20+m}\right\}$$
= $$3^{21}\times3^{22}\times...\times3^{20+m}$$ = $$3^{21+22+...+20+m}$$
Using the sum of the first (n) natural numbers,
$$1+2+\cdots+n = \frac{n(n+1)}{2}$$
$$21 + 22 + \cdots + (20+m)$$
= $$1+2+\cdots+(20+m) - (1+2+\cdots+20)$$
$$1+2+\cdots+(20+m)=\frac{(20+m)(21+m)}{2}$$
$$1+2+\cdots+20 = \frac{20\cdot21}{2} = 210$$
So, $$21+22+\cdots+(20+m)$$
= $$\frac{(20+m)(21+m)}{2} - 210$$
Expanding, $$(20+m)(21+m)=m^2+41m+420$$
Thus, $$\frac{m^2+41m+420}{2}-210$$
$$= \frac{m^2+41m}{2}$$
Since the bases are equal, we must compare the powers.
$$2870<\frac{m^2+41m}{2} \Rightarrow 5740<m(m+41) $$
Here, we can put in the option to check the minimum value that satisfies the inequality.
56: We get 5740<5264. This is false
57: We get 5740<5586. This is false
58: We get 5740<5742. This is the minimum possible value.
Click on the Email ☝️ to Watch the Video Solution
Create a FREE account and get:
Book Free CAT Mentorship
Get personalized CAT strategy from a 99%iler
500+ students mentored
OTP Verification
Enter the 6-digit code sent to your phone
Booking Summary
Enter OTP
Didn't receive the OTP?
Start your IIM journey with the right preparation and crack CAT 2026.
Educational materials for CAT preparation