A three digit number and reversal puzzle

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a mathematical puzzle involving a three-digit number that, when divided by 3, has its digits reversed and then decreased by 1 to yield the original number. Participants are exploring the properties of this number and seeking to identify the next greater number with the same property, potentially involving more than three digits.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant states the problem of finding a specific three-digit number that meets the criteria outlined.
  • Another participant expresses uncertainty about identifying the next number after the one mentioned.
  • A third participant suggests that the next number after 741 has been found but does not provide details.
  • A fourth participant shares their experience attempting to program a solution in Visual Basic, noting issues with number overflow, which implies that subsequent numbers may be significantly larger.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not appear to reach a consensus on the next number after 741, and there is uncertainty regarding the existence and size of further numbers that satisfy the original condition.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes limitations related to the computational approach and the potential size of numbers involved, which may affect the ability to find solutions through programming methods.

K Sengupta
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A positive 3-digit decimal (base 10) number is such that if we divide the number by 3, reverse the digits of the result, and then subtract 1, we will obtain the original number.

Determine the number. What is the next greater number (possibly with more than 3 digits) with this property?
 
Last edited:
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741
Divide by 3: 247
Reverse the digits: 742
Subtract 1: 741, the original number.
I don't know the next number.
 
The next one after 741 is
7425741
 
I tried to do a Visual Basic program to know all this numbers, but I kept getting overflowing.. I guess the other numbers are just really big.
 

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