Brain teasing problem in number theory

In summary, The given 11-digit number, X, can be factorized into 23 × 9901 × 43913. To find the possible four digit divisors of X, we can use the identity (x^4 - x^2 + 1)(x^6 + x^4 - 1) where x=10. This gives us the factors 9901 and 43913. Therefore, the only possible four digit divisor of X is 9901. The sum of the digits of this divisor is 9+9+0+1=19.
  • #1
sagardip
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Homework Statement



Let X=10000000099 represent an eleven digit no. and let Y be a four digit no. which divides X.Find the sum of the digits of the four digit no. Y.


Homework Equations



None


The Attempt at a Solution



I guess I have to factorize X. But it is really difficult to do so as i can't find a prime which divides it. Moreover i am in search for a systematic solution and not any trial method.Any help in this regard would be sincerely appreciated. Thank You.
 
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  • #2
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  • #3
How did you find it out
 
  • #4
Here is an approach which is potentially less computation-intensive.

If we call the 11-digit number N, it's easy to see that
N = 10^10 + 10^2 -1, so N = P(10), where
P(x) = x^10 + x^2 - 1.

If you were a genius, I guess it would be obvious that
P(x) = (x^4 - x^2 + 1) (x^6 + x^4 - 1).

Confession: Not being a genius, I used a computer algebra system.
I guess you can drive this identity from x^5 + x - 1 = (x^2 - x + 1) (x^3 + x^2 - 1), but that's not obvious to me either.

If you now let x = 10, we have
N = (10^4 - 10^2 + 1) (10^6 + 10^4 - 1),
and 10^4 - 10^2 + 1 = 9901.

This isn't a complete solution, because it's not clear from the above that 9901 is the only 4-digit divisor.
 
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  • #5
Thanks
I understood it well and it is a very good solution
 

FAQ: Brain teasing problem in number theory

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Number theory is a branch of mathematics that deals with properties of whole numbers and their relationships. Brain teasers in number theory involve using logic and mathematical principles to solve puzzles and problems related to numbers.

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