What Are the Odd Relationships Between Integers and Their Representations?

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The discussion explores the relationships between integers and their representations, particularly focusing on how certain integers can be expressed using smaller integers through various mathematical operations. A specific example is given with the integer 12, which has many divisors, suggesting that integers with more divisors may yield more representation options. The conversation also touches on the creativity involved in finding these representations, implying that clever mathematical manipulation can lead to interesting results. Additionally, there are references to specific equations for the integers 1 and 2, while noting the challenges of representing larger odd numbers using smaller even integers. Overall, the thread highlights the intriguing nature of integer relationships and representation techniques.
Simon Bridge
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I come across some odd stuff online...

528836_325385777573552_804137390_n.jpg


... OK there's a typo for the 5 ... should be ##\small [\sqrt{9}]!-(9/9)## and the one for 7 looks a bit forced...
What I'm wondering is if there are other sets that do something like this ... i.e. so for a given integer Z, we can find another integer z<Z so that the integers ≤Z can be represented using the same n (integer) instances of z in each case.

It'll probably help of Z is something with lots of divisors ... i.e. Z= oh I dunno... 12.
Or is it just a case of "given sufficient cleverness" - which is to say that there are so many legitimate mathematical operations that it is always possible to create this effect?

Aside:
Millenialists take note: hold the clock upside down and all the numbers are made out of three 6's.
 
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I'm sure there are lists of that somewhere.

1=(X/X)^X
2=(X+X)/X
Those two are always possible.
9 is nice, as you can choose between 9 and 3 via the square root.
With small even numbers, it is tricky to get large odd numbers.
 
Here is a little puzzle from the book 100 Geometric Games by Pierre Berloquin. The side of a small square is one meter long and the side of a larger square one and a half meters long. One vertex of the large square is at the center of the small square. The side of the large square cuts two sides of the small square into one- third parts and two-thirds parts. What is the area where the squares overlap?

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