Exploring Number Theory: Finding Unit Fractions and Divisible Numbers

In summary, for the first question, we need to find seven different unit fractions that add up to 1. This can be solved through guess and check. For the second question, there are 6! different 6 digit numbers that can be made using the numbers 1, 2, 5, 6, 7, and 9. Additionally, all numbers ending in 2 and 6 will be divisible by 6, giving a total of 2*(5!) possibilities. However, if each number can be used more than once, the total number of possibilities would be 6^6.
  • #1
courtrigrad
1,236
2
1. Find seven different unit fractions whose sum is 1. So

[tex] \frac{1}{a} + \frac{1}{b} + \frac{1}{c} + \frac{1}{d} + \frac{1}{e} + \frac{1}{f} + \frac{1}{g} = 1 [/tex] Would this just be purely guess and check?

2. How many different 6 digit numbers can you make using [tex] 1,2,5,6,7,9 [/tex]. Would it just be [tex] 6! [/tex]? Also how would you find how many of these numbers are divisble by 6?

Thanks! :smile:
 
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  • #2
i think i can answer your 2nd question

yes, the combination is 6!

all 6 digits numbers form by those numbers are divisible by 3 (because 1,2,5,6,7,9 add up to 30, which is divisible by 3) therefore, all 6 digits numbers which ended with 2 and 6 are divisible by 6
 
  • #3
but then for #2 how do you find how many are divisble by 6

also for #1 I don't see another way than gues and check.

thanks
 
  • #4
courtrigrad said:
but then for #2 how do you find how many are divisble by 6

also for #1 I don't see another way than gues and check.

thanks

For the second part, what are the number of possibilities with a terminal digit of 2 ? With a terminal digit of 6 ? Add these up.

It should be 2*(5!)
 
  • #5
Thanks a lot

So I guess for the first one we have to guess and check. Just take fractions see if they add to 1, and then take the reciprocal of the reciprocal?
 
  • #6
courtrigrad said:
2. How many different 6 digit numbers can you make using [tex] 1,2,5,6,7,9 [/tex]. Would it just be [tex] 6! [/tex]?
The question doesn't state explicitly that each number may only be used once.
So then 111111 and 965759 etc. are also solutions and the answer would be [tex]6^6[/tex].
 
  • #7
thanks a lot. i guess the second question is impossible then?
 
  • #8
I think you have to simplify all of he fractions for #2. IS this right?

Thanks :smile:
 

FAQ: Exploring Number Theory: Finding Unit Fractions and Divisible Numbers

What is number theory?

Number theory is a branch of mathematics that focuses on the properties and relationships of integers. It explores patterns and structures within numbers and seeks to understand their behavior.

What are unit fractions?

Unit fractions are fractions where the numerator is 1 and the denominator is a positive integer. For example, 1/2 and 1/5 are unit fractions.

How do you find unit fractions?

To find a unit fraction, you simply take 1 and divide it by a positive integer. For example, to find 1/7, you would divide 1 by 7 to get 0.142857. This can be written as a fraction as 1/7.

What is the significance of finding divisible numbers in number theory?

Divisible numbers play an important role in number theory because they help us understand the relationships between numbers. A number is divisible by another number if it can be divided evenly without any remainder. This concept is used in many mathematical concepts, such as prime numbers and factorization.

How can exploring number theory help in real-world applications?

Number theory has many practical applications in fields such as cryptography, computer science, and finance. It can also help us understand patterns in nature and make predictions in various scientific and economic studies.

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