Whatzit? Number Fun - 144 / (1 + 4 + 4) = 1*4*4

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a mathematical curiosity involving three-digit numbers that satisfy the equation 144 / (1 + 4 + 4) = 1*4*4. Participants explore whether other three-digit numbers exhibit similar properties and share code snippets to identify such numbers.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents the equation 144 / (1 + 4 + 4) = 1*4*4 and asks if other three-digit numbers follow this pattern.
  • Another participant shares a Python code snippet that successfully identifies 144 and 135 as numbers that meet the criteria.
  • A third participant confirms the findings, noting that their own code, written in UBasic, produced the same results and that attempts to find two-digit and four-digit numbers yielded no additional matches.
  • There is a repetition of the Python code by a different participant, indicating a possible oversight or error in the original post.
  • A participant expresses embarrassment over the repetition of the code.
  • A light-hearted comment is made in response to the embarrassment, suggesting a playful consequence.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the findings of the Python code, identifying 144 and 135 as the only three-digit numbers that satisfy the equation. However, there is no consensus on the existence of other qualifying numbers beyond these two.

Contextual Notes

The discussion is limited to three-digit numbers, and attempts to extend the search to two-digit and four-digit numbers have not yielded results. There is also a potential for confusion due to the repetition of code snippets.

Who May Find This Useful

Readers interested in number theory, programming, or mathematical curiosities may find this discussion relevant.

Wilmer
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144 / (1 + 4 + 4) = 1*4*4

There is another 3digit number that works similarly: whatzit?
 
Mathematics news on Phys.org
Simple python code found it:
[sp]
Code: 
[FONT=Courier New]
for i in range(1,9):
    for j in range(1,9):
        for k in range(1,9):
            if 100*i + 10*j + k == i*j*k*(i + j + k):
                print(i,j,k)
It found 144 and 135. Those are the only ones!
[/sp]
 
Yepper!
Your code is exactly like mine; I use UBasic.

Tried with 2digit and 4digit numbers: none.
 
Ackbach said:
Simple python code found it:
[sp]
Code: 
[FONT=Courier New]
for i in range(1,9):
    for j in range(1,9):
        for k in range(1,9):
            if 100*i + 10*j + k == i*j*k*(i + j + k):
                print(i,j,k)
It found 144 and 135. Those are the only ones!
[/sp]

Erm... range(1,9) = (1,...,8) in python.
It's a good thing there are no numbers with a 9 in it!
 
I like Serena said:
Erm... range(1,9) = (1,...,8) in python.
It's a good thing there are no numbers with a 9 in it!

Oops! How embarrassing.
 
Go stand in the corner for 13.5 minutes :)
 

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