Constructing Integers with 3,4,8,9 up to 101

  • Context: Undergrad 
  • Thread starter Thread starter ceptimus
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Discussion Overview

The thread discusses the challenge of constructing all integers from 1 to 101 using the digits 3, 4, 8, and 9, employing various mathematical operations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and exponentiation. Participants share their solutions and methods, while also addressing the use of recurring decimals and the validity of certain approaches.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Participants propose various equations to represent integers, such as 1 = (4 - 3) / (9 - 8) and 2 = 4 + 9 - 3 - 8.
  • Some participants express concerns about the validity of using certain operations, like the modulo function, which one participant describes as "cheating."
  • There are multiple representations for the same integer, with different participants suggesting various forms, such as 19 = (7 × 3) - (8 / 4) and 19 = 34 - (8 + 7).
  • Discussions about notation for recurring decimals arise, with suggestions for using symbols like .(3) or .\overline{3} to denote recurring values.
  • Participants correct each other’s work and suggest alternative methods for constructing integers, indicating a collaborative effort to refine solutions.
  • Some participants express frustration over specific integers that remain unsolved, such as 22 and 30, and seek assistance from others.
  • There are playful exchanges about the use of advanced mathematical concepts, like square roots and factorials, with some participants humorously acknowledging their "cheating" in using these methods.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

The discussion features a mix of agreement on certain solutions and disagreement on the validity of specific methods. Participants do not reach a consensus on the best approaches or the use of certain mathematical operations, indicating that multiple competing views remain.

Contextual Notes

Some solutions involve unresolved mathematical steps or assumptions about the operations allowed, particularly regarding the use of recurring decimals and advanced functions. The scope of the challenge is limited to the digits provided and the specified operations.

Who May Find This Useful

Mathematics enthusiasts, educators, and students interested in number theory or combinatorial challenges may find this discussion engaging and informative.

  • #31
Ooops,
66 = (3+8) \cdot \sqrt{4} \cdot \sqrt{9}
 
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  • #32
I was sure that ceptimus said no square root functions:
ceptimus said:
Factorials are not allowed, nor is the square root operation, and you can't use constructions like (3 + 4)8 to mean 78.

The Bob (2004 ©)
 
  • #33
Ok Bob...then

66 = 8 \cdot ( 9 - \frac{3}{4} )

68 = 8 ^ { ( 3 - .\overline{9} )} + 4

85 = 9 ^ { ( 8 ^ { .\overline{3} } )} + 4


...and I left the "67" for you ! :-p
 
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  • #34
Rogerio said:
85 = 9 ^ { ( 8 ^ { .\overline{3} } )} + 4

Nice. :smile: Is 67 the last one left then?

Edit: I've not done a proper search, but I think we still need 58 and 83 too.
 
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  • #35
ceptimus said:
Nice. :smile: Is 67 the last one left then?

Edit: I've not done a proper search, but I think we still need 58 and 83 too.
Rogerio said:
58 = \frac{9 + 8.4}{.3}
A fix:

83 = 84 - .\overline{9} ^{ 3}

Yes! 67 is the last one!

I left it to Bob...:-p
 
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  • #36
Rogerio said:
I left it to Bob...:-p
This is all I can get: 67 = (8\times9) - \sqrt{4} -3

I am rubbish at this. Sorry. I will think some more.

The Bob (2004 ©)
 
  • #37
There are two solutions (I know of) for 67.

One is very hard, and uses two recurring decimals. The other uses the decimal point but no recurring decimals.

I'll post them on New Year's Eve if no one gets them before and no one tells me not to.
 
  • #38
67=\frac{8}{0.(3)|}-4.(9)
,where "|" is a (perfectly reflectant) mirror,and the multiplicative dot '\cdot' is understood.

Daniel.

PS.Ceptimus,u didn't say anything about "mirrors",right?It has 2 recurring decimals and adding the image,three in total. :-p
 
  • #39
ceptimus said:
There are two solutions (I know of) for 67.

One of them is (probably) :

67 = \frac{9}{.3 \times .4} - 8

... and the other one? :smile:
 
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  • #40
...what about 102 ? Is there a way, ceptimus ?
 
  • #41
Rogerio said:
... and the other one?

Well, I think it could be

65 = ( 8 - .\overline{3} - .\overline{4} ) \times 9

OOOPS ! it should be 67 !

but... and 102 ? :smile:
 
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  • #42
I don't have answers for 102 or 109. All the others up to 120 I have. I've not searched beyond 120.

Well done on the 67 solution. I won't reveal the other (harder) 67 answer until New Year's Eve, just in case someone is working on it. :wink:
 
  • #43
ceptimus said:
I've not searched beyond 120...

Then add 121 to the collection :-)

121 = \frac{8}{.4 - .\overline{3}} + .\overline{9}
 
  • #44
Here's the difficult 67 as promised:

67 = \frac{.3 + .\overline{4}}{.9 - .\overline{8}}

Happy New Year.
 

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