Browse · harp
Printsmc
number theory senior
Problem
A number has three digits when expressed in base . When is expressed in base the digits are reversed. Then the middle digit is:
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
Solution
Call the number in base 7. Then, . (Breaking down the number in base-form). After combining like terms and moving the variables around, ,. This shows that is a multiple of 8 (we only have to find the middle digit under one of the bases). Thus, (since 8>6, the largest digit in base 7). Select as our answer.
Final answer
A