Math Problem Statement
Cheng is trying to find the code number to unlock a different treasure chest. He has these clues: first digit • The sum of the first and second digits is a multiple of 6. • The difference between the first and second digits is 6. • The sum of the third and fourth digits is the same as the sum of the first and second digits. last digit • The first digit is the smallest of the four digits. • The third and fourth digits are the same. • There are no zeros in the code. What is the code number?
Solution
We are tasked with determining a 4-digit code using the given clues. Let's break it down step by step:
Clues:
- Sum of the first and second digits is a multiple of 6.
- The difference between the first and second digits is 6.
- The sum of the third and fourth digits is the same as the sum of the first and second digits.
- The first digit is the smallest of the four digits.
- The third and fourth digits are the same.
- There are no zeros in the code.
Let the digits of the code be represented as , , , and , where:
- is the first digit,
- is the second digit,
- is the third digit,
- is the fourth digit.
From the clues:
- The sum of the first and second digits is a multiple of 6: is a multiple of 6.
- The difference between the first and second digits is 6: .
- The sum of the third and fourth digits equals the sum of the first and second digits: .
- The first digit is the smallest: is the smallest.
- The third and fourth digits are the same: .
- There are no zeros: none of the digits are zero.
Step 1: Use the difference clue
From the second clue, , we have: Since the digits are between 1 and 9 (no zeros allowed), the smallest can be is 1, because any smaller would make too large.
Step 2: Use the sum being a multiple of 6
The sum of must be a multiple of 6. Since , this gives: We need to be a multiple of 6: Simplifying: which is impossible because there are no zeros in the code. Let’s try the next possible value of .
Step 3: Checking larger values of
We systematically test for larger values:
If :
so , which is not a multiple of 6.
If :
so , which is a multiple of 6.
Step 4: Determine the third and fourth digits
From the third clue, . Since (from clue 5), we have: Therefore, .
Final Answer:
The code is .
Would you like further details or explanations on any step?
Here are five related questions to expand on the topic:
- How does the smallest digit restriction affect other possible combinations?
- Why is it important to check each condition sequentially?
- How can you generalize the method for codes with different conditions?
- What other ways can sums and differences be used in puzzle clues?
- How would the solution change if zeros were allowed?
Tip: When solving multi-step puzzles, verify each condition before finalizing the answer to avoid missing any restrictions.
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Math Problem Analysis
Mathematical Concepts
Algebra
Number Theory
Logic
Formulas
Sum of digits: a + b = 6k (multiple of 6)
Difference of digits: b - a = 6
Equality of digits: c + d = a + b and c = d
Theorems
Basic properties of integers
Modular arithmetic (multiples)
Suitable Grade Level
Grades 7-9