Browse · MATH
Printjmc
number theory senior
Problem
What is the sum of all positive integers that have twice as many digits when written in base as they have when written in base ? Express your answer in base .
Solution
First we consider integers that have digits in base and digit in base . Such an integer must be greater than or equal to , but strictly less than . The only such integer is .
Next we consider integers that have digits in base and digits in base . Such an integer must be greater than or equal to , but strictly less than . The only such integer is .
Next we consider integers that have digits in base and digits in base . Such an integer must be greater than or equal to , but strictly less than . There are no such integers, because .
If we continue in this fashion, we may come to suspect that there are no more solutions of any length. Let us prove this. If an integer has digits in base , then . But if has only digits in base , then . A mutual solution is possible only if We can rearrange this inequality as By inspection, this inequality is valid for but invalid for , and also invalid for any larger since the left side increases as increases. This shows that there are no solutions beyond those we found already: and , whose sum is .
Next we consider integers that have digits in base and digits in base . Such an integer must be greater than or equal to , but strictly less than . The only such integer is .
Next we consider integers that have digits in base and digits in base . Such an integer must be greater than or equal to , but strictly less than . There are no such integers, because .
If we continue in this fashion, we may come to suspect that there are no more solutions of any length. Let us prove this. If an integer has digits in base , then . But if has only digits in base , then . A mutual solution is possible only if We can rearrange this inequality as By inspection, this inequality is valid for but invalid for , and also invalid for any larger since the left side increases as increases. This shows that there are no solutions beyond those we found already: and , whose sum is .
Final answer
10