Finding the Last Digit of 2009^2009

  • Thread starter Oster
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In summary, to find the last digit of 2009^2009, we can calculate the remainder when 2009 is divided by 10, which is 9. Yes, you can use a calculator to find the last digit. There is a pattern known as the cyclicity of numbers to determine the last digit of large powers. There is also a mathematical formula called the binomial theorem, but it is not the most efficient method in this case. Finding the last digit may be important in certain calculations and can also be used as a problem-solving exercise.
  • #1
Oster
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1. What is the last digit of 2009^2009



I think you go about this by factoring 2009 as 7*7*41. I'm pretty much stuck.
 
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  • #2
What are the last digits of 2009^1, 2009^2, 2009^3 etc? Keep going until you see the pattern.
 
  • #3
To simplify dick's post: it suffices to look at 9^1, 9^2, 9^3,..., do you see why?
 
  • #4
micromass said:
To simplify dick's post: it suffices to look at 9^1, 9^2, 9^3,..., do you see why?

And it's even easier than that if you know mod arithmetic and notice 2009 is equal to (-1) mod 10.
 
  • #5
yes thank you, i see the pattern.
 

1. How do you find the last digit of 2009^2009?

The last digit of a number is determined by its remainder when divided by 10. Thus, to find the last digit of 2009^2009, we can simply calculate the remainder when 2009 is divided by 10, which is 9. As 9 raised to any power will always end in 9, the last digit of 2009^2009 is also 9.

2. Can I use a calculator to find the last digit of 2009^2009?

Yes, you can use a calculator to find the last digit of 2009^2009. Simply enter 2009^2009 into the calculator and look at the last digit of the result.

3. Is there a pattern to determine the last digit of large powers of numbers?

Yes, there is a pattern known as the cyclicity of numbers. This pattern shows that the last digit of a number raised to successive powers will repeat in a specific pattern. For example, the last digit of 2^1 is 2, 2^2 is 4, 2^3 is 8, 2^4 is 6, and then it will repeat in this pattern. Knowing this pattern can make it easier to find the last digit of large powers.

4. Is there a mathematical formula to find the last digit of 2009^2009?

Yes, there is a mathematical formula known as the binomial theorem that can be used to find the last digit of large powers. However, in the case of 2009^2009, the binomial theorem would not be the most efficient method as the last digit is easily determined by the remainder when divided by 10.

5. Why is finding the last digit of 2009^2009 important?

Finding the last digit of a number raised to a large power may be important in certain mathematical calculations or in coding and encryption. It can also be used as a problem-solving exercise to practice mathematical concepts and patterns.

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