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jmc

number theory junior

Problem

Which of the following could not be the units digit [ones digit] of the square of a whole number?
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
(E)
Solution
We see that , , , and , so already we know that either is the answer or the problem has some issues. For integers, only the units digit affects the units digit of the final result, so we only need to test the squares of the integers from through inclusive. Testing shows that is unachievable, so the answer is .
Final answer
E