Solve the Arithmetical Teaser: 100-999 Integer

  • Thread starter Thread starter Galileo
  • Start date Start date
AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around a mathematical puzzle involving integers from 100 to 999. The puzzle demonstrates that when a chosen integer (X) is repeated to form a new number (e.g., 501 becomes 501501), and then divided successively by 13, 7, and 11, it ultimately returns to the original integer. The key insight is that this property holds true for all integers in the specified range. The reasoning is based on the formula 1000X + X = 1001X, which simplifies to X when divided by 1001. Consequently, all 900 integers from 100 to 999 possess this property. The discussion concludes with a mention of a book that previously covered similar concepts, suggesting a potential for further exploration of related mathematical questions.
Galileo
Science Advisor
Homework Helper
Messages
1,980
Reaction score
7
This one is actually quite simple once you see it.

Consider the following converation between man 1 and man 2:

Man 1: 'I have a puzzle for you. First, pick an integer from 100 to 999 in your head.'
Man 2: 'Uuhhm. Well.. okay. (thinks: I`ll take 501, 'cuz that me lucky number.')
Man 1: 'Okay, consider the number that you get by repeating the number in your head once. So if you had 123, you should have 123123.'
Man 2: 'Okay. (That'll be 501501)'
Man 1: 'Now divide that number by 13.'
Man 2: '..wait a sec... okay. Fortunately it's an integer. (that's 38577)'
Man 1: 'Divide that number you got by 7'
Man 2: '..(that'll be 5511).. okay. Luckily another integer!'
Man 1: 'Now divide it by 11.'
Man 2: '(5511/11 is..eh 501). Hey, I get the number with which I started.'
Man 1: 'Really? I suppose you made a good choice at the start. My question is: How many integers from 100 to 999 have this property?'

So, how many integers are there from 100 to 999 which have this property?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Surely I'm screwing up somewhere, but 1001 = 13*11*7, so they all do [/color].
 
Hmmm,
\frac{1001}{7*11*13}=1
no idea at all. Guess, I'll just have to try them one by one.
 
Galileo said:
So, how many integers are there from 100 to 999 which have this property?

The answer is all of them (900). This works because taking any number like 501 and making it 501501 is the same thing as this:

Assume the number you chose is "X". So X = 501

(X*1000)+X is the formula that gives you 501501.

1000X +X = 1001X

1001X/1001 = X

Works everytime regardless of X up to 999.
 
Mwa. I knew it was too easy. Oh well...
 
well, yes it is quite easy, in fact i had read this in a book quite a few years back.


i think i should look for that book, maybe i can post some good questions from that book too.
 
Just ONCE, I wanted to see a post titled Status Update that was not a blatant, annoying spam post by a new member. So here it is. Today was a good day here in Northern Wisconsin. Fall colors are here, no mosquitos, no deer flies, and mild temperature, so my morning run was unusually nice. Only two meetings today, and both went well. The deer that was road killed just down the road two weeks ago is now fully decomposed, so no more smell. Somebody has a spike buck skull for their...
Back
Top