solve for n where it is

p(n,5)=42xP(n-3)

you have a typo

P(n-3) makes no sense.
Did you mean P(n,3) ?

if so, then

n!/(n-5)! = 42n!/(n-3)!
n(n-1)(n-2)(n-3)(n-4) = 42n(n-1)(n-2)
divide by n(n-1)(n-2)
(n-3)(n-4) = 42
n^2 - 7n -30 = 0
(n-10)(n+3)= 0
n=10 or n=-3, but (-3)! is not defined, so

n=10

To solve for n in the equation p(n, 5) = 42 * P(n - 3), we need to understand what the notations p(n, 5) and P(n - 3) represent.

Usually, p(n, k) refers to the number of permutations of n items taken k at a time. Permutations calculate the number of arrangements of objects in a specific order without repetition.

P(n - 3) denotes the value of P, which could represent any variable, when subtracted by 3.

Now, let's proceed to solve the equation:

p(n, 5) = 42 * P(n - 3)

First, we need to calculate the values of p(n, 5) and P(n - 3) separately.

The expression p(n, 5) represents the number of permutations of n items taken 5 at a time. If we don't have any additional information or context regarding the values of n and the objects being arranged, we won't be able to determine the exact value of p(n, 5). However, we can assume that n is an integer.

Next, the value of P(n - 3) depends on the variable P and its relationship with n. Without knowing more about P or having additional information, we can't determine its value either.

Therefore, based on the given equation p(n, 5) = 42 * P(n - 3), it's not possible to solve for the specific value of n without more information about p(n, 5), P(n - 3), or the relationship between them.