Problem on Simultaneous equations

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    Simultaneous equations
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around solving a problem involving a three-digit number with specific properties related to its digits. Participants explore equations based on the digits' relationships and the conditions given in the problem, including the sum of certain digits and the difference between the original number and a rearranged version.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Homework-related
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant proposes an equation for the sum of the first and last digits, stating that the sum equals 11.
  • Another participant derives an equation based on the difference between the original number and the number formed by swapping the first and last digits, leading to the equation L - F = 5.
  • Subsequent calculations suggest that if L = 8, then F must be 3, leading to the conclusion that the number N is 308.
  • Participants discuss the choice of variable names for clarity in representing the digits of the number.
  • There is a question about the validity of the number being just 8 versus 308, which is clarified through further calculations.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants appear to agree on the calculations leading to the conclusion that the number is 308, but there are moments of confusion regarding the representation of the number and the interpretation of the digits.

Contextual Notes

Some assumptions about the digits and their relationships are made, but the discussion does not fully resolve all potential interpretations of the problem's conditions.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for students or individuals interested in problem-solving techniques related to algebra and number theory, particularly in the context of digit manipulation in numbers.

mathlearn
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There is a number between 100 and 1000. Its middle digit is 0.sum of the rest , first and last digits is 11.The number which gets by exchanging the first digit and the last digit is greater than by 495 from the previous number

I. Build up an equation for the sum of first digit and the last digit.

II.Build up an equation for the number which gets by exchanging the first digit and the last digit

III. Find the number

I'm stuck on this problem so far i think and I'm not sure whether its correct my equation would be

f(first digit)+l(last digit)-r(rest digits)=11

an I'm completely unable to think a solution for the second and third problem.

Can you help me on this sum and would you be kind enough to explain this in a little detailed manner

Many thanks
 
Last edited:
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I would let $F$ be the first digit and $L$ be the last digit, and so the number $N$ is:

$$N=100F+L$$

Now, we are told:

$$F+L=11\tag{1}$$

and:

$$(100L+F)-(100F+L)=495$$

If we simplify this last equation by combining like terms, we find:

$$99L-99F=495$$

Dividing through by 99, we obtain:

$$L-F=5\tag{2}$$

What do we get if we add (1) and (2)?
 
Then we get 2L=16 and $$\therefore L=8$$

- - - Updated - - -

So Is the number 8?

Many Thanks
 
mathlearn said:
Then we get 2L=16 and $$\therefore L=8$$

Correct! (Yes)

So, what must $F$ be, and then what must $N$ be?
 
Can you tell me how did you arrive at

"I would let FF be the first digit and LL be the last digit, and so the number NN is:

N=100F+LN=100F+L"

Many Thanks
 
L-F=5
8-F=5
-F=5-8
F=3

and

N=100*3+8
N=308

So is the number 308 or just 8
 
I chose $F$ to be the First digit and $L$ to be the Last digit so it would be obvious which is which. How you decide to name your variables when solving a problem is up to you, as long as it makes sense to you.

Now, a base 10 (decimal) number is represented by the numerals (0-9) multiplied by powers of 10...for example the number 512 is:

$$5\cdot10^2+1\cdot10^1+2\cdot10^0$$

So, if we have a 3 digit number, where the first digit is $F$, the s econd digit is 0 and the last is $L$, then the number $N$ is:

$$N=F\cdot10^2+0\cdot10^1+L\cdot10^0=100F+L$$

Does this make sense?
 
mathlearn said:
L-F=5
8-F=5
-F=5-8
F=3

and

N=100*3+8
N=308

So is the number 308 or just 8

$$N=308$$, so the number you are asked to find is 308, and indeed we find:

$$803-308=495$$ as required. :D
 
so to sum up then,

F=3
L=8
N=308

Many Thanks
 

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