Combinatorics – How to Prove n Choose k is Maximum When k is ?n/2? or ?n/2?

binomial-coefficientscombinatoricsinequalityoptimization

How do you prove $n \choose k$ is maximum when $k$ is $\lceil n/2 \rceil$ or $\lfloor n/2 \rfloor$?

This link provides a proof of sorts but it is not satisfying. From what I understand, it focuses on product pairings present in $k! (n-k)!$ term which are of the form $i \times (i-1)$. Since these are minimized when $i=n/2$, we get the result. But what about the reasoning for the rest of the terms?

Best Answer

HINT:

As $\displaystyle \binom nk>0$ for $0\le k\le n$ where $n>0,k$ are integers

Check for $k$ such that $$\frac{\binom n{k+1}}{\binom nk}=\frac{n-k}{k+1}>=<1$$

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