Finding $a_{50}$ with Coprime Constraints

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The discussion centers on finding the 50th smallest integer, \( a_{50} \), that is coprime with 987, under the condition that \( a_1 < a_2 < ... < a_{50} \) and all \( a_n \) belong to the natural numbers \( \mathbb{N} \). The conclusion reached is that \( a_{50} = 88 \) when including 1 as a valid coprime integer, despite the debate surrounding the coprimality of 1 with any number. The consensus acknowledges that if 1 is excluded, the sequence would differ.

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Albert1
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given :
$a_1<a_2<a_3<--------<a_{50}$
$a_1,a_2,a_3,------,a_{50}\in N$
all $a_1,a_2,------,a_{50}$ are coprime with 987
that is $(a_n,987)=1 $
here $1\leq n\leq 50$
please find $a_{50}$
 
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I think you need to add a little more information, else the challenge is trivial - is $a_n$ intended to be the $n$th smallest integer coprime with 987? As described right now, $a_n = 987n + 1$ satisfies all your conditions.
 
Bacterius said:
I think you need to add a little more information, else the challenge is trivial - is $a_n$ intended to be the $n$th smallest integer coprime with 987? As described right now, $a_n = 987n + 1$ satisfies all your conditions.
yes ,$a_n$ is the $n$th smallest integer coprime with 987
and please find $a_{50}$
 
First we need to factor 987
987 = 3 * 329 = 3 * 7 * 47
to find a number which is coprime to 987 it should be co-prime to 3,7, and 47
now 1 is not coprime to any number so we need to find the 51st number which is not divisible by 3 7 or 47
for x the numbers below or same as not divisible by 3 7 and 47 are
$f(x) =x-\lfloor\dfrac{x}{3}\rfloor-\lfloor\dfrac{x}{7}\rfloor-\lfloor\dfrac{x}{47}\rfloor+\lfloor\dfrac{x}{3*7}\rfloor+\lfloor\dfrac{x}{3* 47}\rfloor+\lfloor\dfrac{x}{7*47}\rfloor- \lfloor\dfrac{x}{3 * 7 * 47}\rfloor$
or $f(x) =x-\lfloor\dfrac{x}{3}\rfloor-\lfloor\dfrac{x}{7}\rfloor-\lfloor\dfrac{x}{47}\rfloor+\lfloor\dfrac{x}{21}\rfloor+\lfloor\dfrac{x}{141}\rfloor+\lfloor\dfrac{x}{329}\rfloor- \lfloor\dfrac{x}{987}\rfloor$
or $f(x) =x-\lfloor\dfrac{x}{3}\rfloor-\lfloor\dfrac{x}{7}\rfloor+\lfloor\dfrac{x}{21}\rfloor-\lfloor\dfrac{x}{47}\rfloor+\lfloor\dfrac{x}{141}\rfloor+\lfloor\dfrac{x}{329}\rfloor- \lfloor\dfrac{x}{987}\rfloor$
for estimating we take $x-\dfrac{x}{3}=\dfrac{2x}{3}=51$ or x = 76 ( rounded)
so f (x) = 76 - 25 - 10 + 3 = 44
we are falling short by 7
so we add 14 as it is > 7 * 3/2
so we get x = 90 but as 90 is not coprime we take 89
f(89) = 89 - 29 - 12 + 4 - 1 = 51
so x = 89 is the ans.
 
Last edited:
$a_1=1$ should be included $a_{50}=88$
 
Albert said:
$a_1=1$ should be included $a_{50}=88$

That is slight debatable as 1 is not coprime to any number so 1 should be left out. But if you want to consider 1 then you are right.
 
$987=3\times 7\times 47$
let :$a_{50}=x$
we have :
$\big[\dfrac{x}{3}\big]+[\dfrac{x}{7}]+[\dfrac{x}{47}]-[\dfrac{x}{21}]=x-50=38$
and we get :$ x=a_{50}=88$
 
Last edited:

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