Difference between revisions of "1968 AHSME Problems/Problem 33"

(Solution)
m (See also)
 
(8 intermediate revisions by 2 users not shown)
Line 10: Line 10:
  
 
== Solution ==
 
== Solution ==
 +
Call the number <math>\overline{abc}</math> in base 7.
  
 +
Then, <math>49a+7b+c=81c+9b+a</math>. (Breaking down the number in base-form).
  
<math>\fbox{A}</math>
+
After combining like terms and moving the variables around,
 +
<math>48a=2b+80c</math>,<math>b=40c-24a=8(5c-2a)</math>. This shows that <math>b</math> is a multiple of 8 (we only have to find the middle digit under ''one'' of the bases). Thus, <math>b=0</math> (since 8>6, the largest digit in base 7).
 +
 
 +
Select <math>\fbox{A}</math> as our answer.
 +
 
 +
~hastapasta
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
{{AHSME box|year=1968|num-b=32|num-a=34}}   
+
{{AHSME 35p box|year=1968|num-b=32|num-a=34}}   
  
 
[[Category: Intermediate Algebra Problems]]
 
[[Category: Intermediate Algebra Problems]]
 
{{MAA Notice}}
 
{{MAA Notice}}

Latest revision as of 00:53, 16 August 2023

Problem

A number $N$ has three digits when expressed in base $7$. When $N$ is expressed in base $9$ the digits are reversed. Then the middle digit is:

$\text{(A) } 0\quad \text{(B) } 1\quad \text{(C) } 3\quad \text{(D) } 4\quad \text{(E) } 5$

Solution

Call the number $\overline{abc}$ in base 7.

Then, $49a+7b+c=81c+9b+a$. (Breaking down the number in base-form).

After combining like terms and moving the variables around, $48a=2b+80c$,$b=40c-24a=8(5c-2a)$. This shows that $b$ is a multiple of 8 (we only have to find the middle digit under one of the bases). Thus, $b=0$ (since 8>6, the largest digit in base 7).

Select $\fbox{A}$ as our answer.

~hastapasta

See also

1968 AHSC (ProblemsAnswer KeyResources)
Preceded by
Problem 32
Followed by
Problem 34
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35
All AHSME Problems and Solutions

The problems on this page are copyrighted by the Mathematical Association of America's American Mathematics Competitions. AMC logo.png