Can multi digit numbers be made into a single digit using a new base?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Digit
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Symbols
AI Thread Summary
Multi-digit numbers can be reduced to a single digit by selecting a new base that is the original base raised to the power of the digit count. The base, represented as {b}, defines the symbol count, which can consist of any set of marks. When reaching the limit of available symbols, options include giving up, creating a new symbol, or adding another digit, which requires a carry mechanism. The discussion highlights the mathematical principles behind this process and invites interest in related computational machines. The conversation indicates a shared enthusiasm for exploring these mathematical concepts.
Digit
Messages
18
Reaction score
0
Digit has {b} ; b is the count of symbols
b is the base of the digit and is the symbol count

b symbols
1 0
2 0,1
3 0,1,2
...
The symbol count is necessary. The symbols can be any set of marks.
If you count and come to the end of the symbols you have, there are 3
choices:
1: give up
2: make another symbol
3: add another digit
If you add another digit you must have a carry mechanism and your digits make a polynomial in b.
It is easy to show that any multi digit number can be made into a single digit by choosing a new base that is old b to the digit power.

I make machines that do math. Anyone interested in this kind of stuff?
 
Mathematics news on Phys.org
Is that you, hlreed?

- Warren
 
Hi Warren.
I thought you would get me.
 
Originally posted by Digit
Hi Warren.
I thought you would get me.
Yes, I probably will.

- Warren
 
Seemingly by some mathematical coincidence, a hexagon of sides 2,2,7,7, 11, and 11 can be inscribed in a circle of radius 7. The other day I saw a math problem on line, which they said came from a Polish Olympiad, where you compute the length x of the 3rd side which is the same as the radius, so that the sides of length 2,x, and 11 are inscribed on the arc of a semi-circle. The law of cosines applied twice gives the answer for x of exactly 7, but the arithmetic is so complex that the...
Back
Top