Math Problem Statement

Veronica was multiplying two numbers, x and y. During the process, she accidentally reversed the digits of a two-digit number in ether xor y resulting in a product of 551, However, Veronica realized her error when she noticed that the correct product should be an even number

What is the correct product of the multiplication?

Solution

Given that the incorrect product of reversing the digits of one of the two-digit numbers is 551, we know the correct product must be even. Let's solve the problem step by step.

Step 1: Identify possible two-digit numbers

Let's define the two-digit number as 10a+b10a + b (where aa is the tens digit and bb is the units digit). The reversed number will be 10b+a10b + a.

Step 2: Set up the equation for the incorrect product

Given the incorrect product is 551, we can write the following equation for the incorrect multiplication: (10b+a)y=551(10b + a) \cdot y = 551

Step 3: Factor 551

551 is an odd number, so we need to find its factors to determine possible values for 10b+a10b + a and yy: 551=19×29551 = 19 \times 29

Thus, the possible pairs (10b+a,y)(10b + a, y) are:

  1. (19,29)(19, 29)
  2. (29,19)(29, 19)

Step 4: Determine the correct product

Case 1: 10b+a=1910b + a = 19 and y=29y = 29

For the original number, we need: 10a+b=x10a + b = x

If 10b+a=1910b + a = 19, this implies b=1b = 1 and a=9a = 9. So, 10a+b=109+1=9110a + b = 10 \cdot 9 + 1 = 91.

The correct product is: 91×29=263991 \times 29 = 2639

2639 is not even, so this case is not possible.

Case 2: 10b+a=2910b + a = 29 and y=19y = 19

For the original number, we need: 10a+b=x10a + b = x

If 10b+a=2910b + a = 29, this implies b=2b = 2 and a=9a = 9. So, 10a+b=109+2=9210a + b = 10 \cdot 9 + 2 = 92.

The correct product is: 92×1992 \times 19

Let's calculate: 92×19=92×(201)=92×2092=184092=174892 \times 19 = 92 \times (20 - 1) = 92 \times 20 - 92 = 1840 - 92 = 1748

1748 is even, so this case is correct.

Conclusion

The correct product of the multiplication is: 1748\boxed{1748}

Would you like further details on the reasoning or calculation process? Here are some additional questions to expand your understanding:

  1. What are the possible values of aa and bb if the two-digit number has a particular sum?
  2. How would the problem change if both numbers xx and yy were multi-digit numbers?
  3. Can you provide an example where aa and bb satisfy the given conditions, and compute the exact product?
  4. What other number properties can be inferred from the conditions given in the problem?
  5. What happens if the mistake was made in reversing the digits of yy instead of xx?
  6. How would the solution change if both xx and yy were prime numbers?
  7. If yy were an even number, how would it affect the determination of xx to ensure an even product?
  8. Could you generalize this problem for three-digit numbers with similar reversal conditions?

Tip: When dealing with problems involving digit reversal, always consider the properties of the digits (odd or even) to determine the correct multiplication outcome.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Multiplication
Digit Reversal
Factors

Formulas

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Theorems

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Suitable Grade Level

Grades 5-7