Value of n from combinatorial equation

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Find the value of $n$ from the given equation:

$$\binom{n}{n}+2\binom{n}{n-1}+\binom{n}{n-2} = \binom{n+2}{2n-3}$$


I have solved it to get the following and cannot proceed further:

$$\binom{n+2}{2} = \binom{n+2}{2n-3}\\ \frac{(n+2)!}{2!\cdot n!} = \frac{(n+2)!}{(2n-3)!(5-n)!}\\ (2n-3)!(5-n)! = 2!\cdot n!$$

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0
On BEST ANSWER

There is another rule (I forgot its name) which says that (for $n, a, b \in \Bbb N$) if:

$$\binom{n}{a} = \binom{n}{b}$$

then either $a = b$ or $n-a = b$.

Apply this rule to your answer $\binom{n+2}{2} = \binom{n+2}{2n-3}$ to get either of the following equations:

  1. $2n-3 = 2$ or

  2. $2n-3 = n$

We reject first one because it gives fractional value for $n$. Only the second one gives valid answer which is $n = 3$.


Of course a smart way (as the smart Michael already posted) is to note that $n+2 \ge 2n-3$ giving $n \le 5$. Checking is very easy then.

8
On

Just $2n-3\leq n+2$ and easy checking.