SOLUTION: Proof that (n+1combination r) is equal to (n combination r-1) + (n combination r)

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Question 1143956: Proof that (n+1combination r) is equal to (n combination r-1) + (n combination r)
Answer by Edwin McCravy(20065)   (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!
C(n+1,r) = C(n,r-1) + C(n,r)

which is often written this way:



We'll use the facts that 

,  and 

We'll prove the right side equals the left side:







Rewrite (n-r+1)! in the left denominator and r! in the right denominator:



The LCD is r(r-1)!(n-r+1)(n-r)!



Factor n! out of the numerator and rewrite the denominator:







Rewrite the numerator as (n+1)! and the (n-r+1)! as (n+1-r)!



That's the same as the original left side:



Edwin

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