Observable mathematical phenomena

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around interesting mathematical phenomena, particularly focusing on properties of numbers formed by digits of 1 and the behavior of rearranging digits in four-digit integers. Participants explore claims about palindromic products and the outcomes of specific digit manipulations, seeking proofs and examples.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that multiplying integers whose digits are only 1 results in a palindromic product, suggesting a proof is needed.
  • Others argue that this property holds only for sufficiently small numbers, citing examples and the potential for overflow in larger calculations.
  • One participant expresses confusion about the definition of integers with digits only being 1, leading to a clarification about the distinction between single-digit integers and numbers like 111.
  • Another participant introduces a four-digit integer manipulation where rearranging digits and subtracting results in a number, questioning the significance of the outcome.
  • A later reply discusses the modulo 9 property of digit rearrangements, suggesting it may relate to the earlier claims about the digit manipulation process.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants exhibit disagreement regarding the palindromic property of products formed by digits of 1, with some asserting it is not universally applicable. The significance of the four-digit integer manipulation remains unclear, with no consensus on its implications.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the need for clearer definitions of terms used in the discussion, as well as the unresolved nature of the proofs and examples requested by participants.

pakmingki
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Lets share some mathematical phenomena that are just cool (for math people)

if you multiply any number of integers whose digits are only 1, the product will always be palandromic. Grab a calculator and see for your self. I would be really interested to see a proof for this phenomena.

heres another one, you;ve probably heard of it before.
take a 4 digit integer. All are > 0, and a maximum of 3 of the digits can be equal.

rearrange the digits in such a fashion where the integer abcd has the property a>b>c>d.

abcd - dcba = a 4 digit integer

Repeat over and over and see what happens.

I would also very much like to see a proof for that.
 
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pakmingki said:
if you multiply any number of integers whose digits are only 1, the product will always be palandromic.
That's only true if the numbers are sufficiently small. The proof of when it works is "obvious" from the multiplication algorithm:

Code:
  1111
x  111
------
  1111
 1111
1111
------
123321

but when the numbers are large enough, you will overflow a digit and will no longer be palindromic. For example, open window's calculator, enter in a number with eleven 1's, and square it.
 
Hurkyl said:
That's only true if the numbers are sufficiently small. The proof of when it works is "obvious" from the multiplication algorithm:

Code:
  1111
x  111
------
  1111
 1111
1111
------
123321

but when the numbers are large enough, you will overflow a digit and will no longer be palindromic. For example, open window's calculator, enter in a number with eleven 1's, and square it.

Indeed, it is only palindromic with operations within 9 digits.
 
pakmingki said:
if you multiply any number of integers whose digits are only 1, the product will always be palandromic. Grab a calculator and see for your self.

I don't get it. I grabbed a calculator and entered in a number of integers whose digits are only 1.

9*8*7*6*5 = 15120. Thats not palindromic... What am I doing wrong?
 
DieCommie said:
I don't get it. I grabbed a calculator and entered in a number of integers whose digits are only 1.

9*8*7*6*5 = 15120. Thats not palindromic... What am I doing wrong?

9,8,7,6,5, are integers with only one digit, not numbers whose digits are only 1: i.e. 111 is a number which satisfies the criterion.
 
ahh, I knew I wasnt comprehending it right. Thank you.
 
pakmingki said:
heres another one, you;ve probably heard of it before.
take a 4 digit integer. All are > 0, and a maximum of 3 of the digits can be equal.

rearrange the digits in such a fashion where the integer abcd has the property a>b>c>d.

abcd - dcba = a 4 digit integer

Repeat over and over and see what happens.

Can someone please give and example of what this one is supposed to do. I'm not seeing anything particularly interesting going on here.Edit: Ok the digit sum of the result is always 18, is that it?
 
Last edited:
If we take a number like: 1244 = 1000 +2*100+4*10+4. Then if we take this Modulo 9, we get 1244 ==1+2+4+4 Mod 9.

So that rearranging these digits doesn't change the value Modluo 9, so that the difference between this number above, and one with the same, but rearranged digits is always divisible by 9.

I don't know if this is what parkmingki had in mind.
 
Last edited:

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