My New Mobile Number

I got a new mobile number which is of the form ######1729 , and satisfies the following conditions:

  • Total no. of digits in my mobile number is 10.
  • The numbers you try inserting (######) are divisible by 1729 1729 .

    If you try to contact me by randomly inserting the missing digits, then what is the maximum no. of wrong attempts that you may face while trying to contact me.


The answer is 578.

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1 solution

Arulx Z
Jun 29, 2015

Possible 6 6 digit combinations (assuming that digits can be repeated) = 10 6 = { 10 }^{ 6 }

So our list is 1 , 2 , 3 10 6 1,2,3\dots { 10 }^{ 6 }

Now we need to separate the numbers which are divisible by 1729 1729 from the list. To do that, we need to simplify the list. First multiple of 1729 1729 in the list is 1729 1729 itself while the last multiple is

10 6 1729 = 578 \left\lfloor \frac { { 10 }^{ 6 } }{ 1729 } \right\rfloor = 578

So our new list is 1 1729 , 2 1729 , 3 1729 578 1729 1\cdot 1729,2\cdot 1729,3\cdot 1729\dots 578\cdot 1729

Since now we just need to count the number of items in the list, we can simply out list as 1 , 2 , 3 578 1,2,3\dots 578

Therefore, there are 578 578 numbers which satisfy the given conditions and hence these numbers are possible candidates for the actual number. Since actual number is hidden within them, when you try all the 578 578 numbers, you are guaranteed to get the right answer, even in worst case scenario!

Moderator note:

Simple standard approach.

I just started with study of combinatorics a couple of days ago and I can't believe I already solved a level 5 problem!

Arulx Z - 5 years, 11 months ago

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I've recategorized and rephrased the problem. Part of the issue is that it wasn't clear what was being asked for, because it was "hidden" in the details and assumptions.

Calvin Lin Staff - 5 years, 11 months ago

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