Let p and p + 2 be prime numbers and let Δ = <math xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML"><mfenced open="|
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept: Use properties of determinants to factor out common terms from rows and columns. Specifically, factor out p!, (p+1)!, and (p+2)! from the rows, then simplify the resulting 3x3 determinant.
Factor out p! from R1, (p+1)! from R2, and (p+2)! from R3. Then factor out p! from C1, (p+1)! from C2, and (p+2)! from C3. The determinant simplifies to a constant value multiplied by powers of p and (p+2).
Correct Answer: 2