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Printjmc
number theory senior
Problem
If , , and are all distinct non-zero digits less than and the following is true, find the sum of the three values , , and , expressing your answer in base . \begin{array}{c@{}c@{}c@{}c} &S&H&E_5\\ &+&H&E_5\\ \cline{2-4} &S&E&S_5\\ \end{array}
Solution
Starting with the the rightmost column would be the easiest (we'll call it the first, the second rightmost column the second, and so on). Let's consider the possible values for first.
Since the values must be non-zero, we'll start with . If is , then would be and nothing would carry over. However, since must equal if nothing carries over and must be an integer, can not equal .
If equals , then must equal . would then equal . This satisfies our original equation as shown: \begin{array}{c@{}c@{}c@{}c} &4&1&2_5\\ &+&1&2_5\\ \cline{2-4} &4&2&4_5\\ \end{array}Thus, . In base , the sum is then .
Note: The other possible values for can also be checked. If equaled , the residue would then equal and would be carried over. Since nothing carries over into the third column, would then have to equal . However, can not equal because the digits must be distinct.
If equaled , the residue would then equal and would be carried over. would then have to equal , but can not be a decimal. Therefore, the above solution is the only possible one.
Since the values must be non-zero, we'll start with . If is , then would be and nothing would carry over. However, since must equal if nothing carries over and must be an integer, can not equal .
If equals , then must equal . would then equal . This satisfies our original equation as shown: \begin{array}{c@{}c@{}c@{}c} &4&1&2_5\\ &+&1&2_5\\ \cline{2-4} &4&2&4_5\\ \end{array}Thus, . In base , the sum is then .
Note: The other possible values for can also be checked. If equaled , the residue would then equal and would be carried over. Since nothing carries over into the third column, would then have to equal . However, can not equal because the digits must be distinct.
If equaled , the residue would then equal and would be carried over. would then have to equal , but can not be a decimal. Therefore, the above solution is the only possible one.
Final answer
12_5