Least Possible Value of a+b: 11 & 13 Divisibility

In summary, the "Least Possible Value of a+b: 11 & 13 Divisibility" problem involves finding the smallest possible value of two numbers, a and b, where the sum of the two numbers is divisible by both 11 and 13. This is important in determining a specific solution and whether there is a unique solution or multiple solutions. The process for solving this problem involves finding the least common multiple of 11 and 13 and then finding the smallest number that is divisible by both 11 and 13. The possible values of a and b are any two numbers that add up to this least possible value. This problem has real-life relevance in situations that require finding the smallest possible value, such as minimizing costs or maximizing
  • #1
kaliprasad
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find the least possible value of a + b where a and b are positive integers and 11 divides $a+ 13b$
and 13 divides $a + 11 b$
 
Last edited:
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  • #2
kaliprasad said:
find the least possible value of a + b where a and b are positive and 11 divides $a+ 13b$
and 13 divides $a + 11 b$
the least possible value of a + b=14
a=11.5,b=2.5
 
Last edited:
  • #3
Albert said:
the least possible value of a + b=14
a=11.5,b=2.5

sorry I meant integers
 
  • #4
kaliprasad said:
sorry I meant integers
if $a,b\in N$
$min(a+b)=28, a=23,b=5$
 
  • #5
Albert has provided the answer
here is the solution

$11$ divides $a + 2b$ and hence $11$ divides $6a + 12b$ or $11$ divides $6a + b$
$13$ divides $a - 2b$ and hence $13$ divides $6a - 12b$ or $13$ divides $6a + b$

so $6a + b$ is divisible by $11$ and $13$ and hence $143$
say $6a +b = 143 t\cdots(1)$
$6a + 6b = 143t + 5b = 144 t + 6b - ((t+b)$
So $t + b$ is divisible by $6$ and hence $t + b > 6 \cdots(2)$
$(a+b) = 143t + 5b = 138 t + 5(t+b) >=168$
Hence $a + b >= 28$
From (2) putting $t = 1$ we get $b= 5$ and from (1) we get $a = 23$ so $a=23$ and $b=5$ satisfies
the condition so $a+b$ lowest value is 28
 

What is the "Least Possible Value of a+b: 11 & 13 Divisibility" problem?

The "Least Possible Value of a+b: 11 & 13 Divisibility" problem is a mathematical problem that involves finding the smallest possible value of two numbers, a and b, where the sum of the two numbers is divisible by both 11 and 13.

Why is finding the least possible value important in this problem?

Finding the least possible value is important because it provides a specific solution to the problem and helps to determine if there is a unique solution or multiple solutions.

What is the process for solving this problem?

The process for solving the "Least Possible Value of a+b: 11 & 13 Divisibility" problem involves finding the least common multiple of 11 and 13, and then finding the smallest number that is divisible by both 11 and 13. This smallest number will be the sum of a and b.

What are the possible values of a and b in this problem?

The possible values of a and b in this problem are any two numbers that add up to the least possible value found in the solution. There can be multiple pairs of numbers that satisfy this condition.

How is this problem relevant in real life?

This problem can be relevant in real life when dealing with situations that involve finding the smallest possible value, such as minimizing costs or maximizing efficiency. It also helps in understanding the concept of divisibility and its application in various fields such as computer science and cryptography.

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