Browse · harp
Printsmc
number theory senior
Problem
For a certain positive integer less than , the decimal equivalent of is , a repeating decimal of period of , and the decimal equivalent of is , a repeating decimal of period . In which interval does lie?
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
Solution
If , must be a factor of . Also, by the same procedure, must be a factor of . Checking through all the factors of and that are less than , we see that is a solution, so the answer is . Note: and are both solutions, which invalidates this method. However, we need to examine all factors of that are not factors of , , or , or . Additionally, we need to be a factor of but not , , or . Indeed, satisfies these requirements. We can see that and are not solutions by checking it in the requirements of the problem: , period 1, and , period 3. Thus, is the only answer.
Final answer
B