Solving Maths Problems: Numbers, Symmetries & Groups

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around problems from a module on Numbers, Symmetries, and Groups, specifically focusing on two questions that involve numerical calculations and series. Participants express uncertainty about the simplicity of the problems and seek clarification on methods for solving them.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster questions whether a straightforward calculation is sufficient for one part of the problem and expresses difficulty in finding a method for another part. Participants suggest using properties of repeating decimals to aid in the solution process.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided insights into potential methods for solving the problems, particularly regarding the handling of repeating decimals. There is an ongoing exploration of the perceived difficulty of the questions, with no explicit consensus on their complexity.

Contextual Notes

The original poster is currently enrolled in a first-year university mathematics module, and the questions are part of assessed coursework. There is a suggestion that the problems may be designed to reinforce foundational concepts.

Firepanda
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http://img180.imageshack.us/img180/9589/simplell9.jpg

Is 1. c) as simple as i think it is?

I have gone through my notes and can't find anything to do with it, the module for it is Numbers, symmetries and groups, any ideas or do i simple just wack in 13/7 on my calculator and write down the answer?

Also, 1. d) I don't have a method of working that out.

I tried this though:

24/10 + (1)SIGMA(n) 39/(10^2n+1) = 2.43939393939...

But I don't know how to get this into a fraction from here.
 
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For (d) the trick is to use the fact that 393939... repeats itself. Let a=2.4\overline{39} and compute 10a,\,1000a and subtract them.
 
a = 161/66 ;) thanks!

So i just assume 1.c) is a question made for a 10 year old?
 
Or for a nine and a half! :smile:
 
Actually, Firepanda, I think I could have solved all of these problems when I was ten ... or maybe a year or two later, I don't recall exactly. In what class did you run into these? I hope it wasn't "Calculus and Beyond"!
 
Well I'm 3 weeks into my Numbers, Symmetries and Groups module for 1st year university maths :P These are also assesed questions, so I can't complain :)
 
Ah ... so maybe they're just making sure that you've got your basics tucked under your belt?
 

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