Math Problem Statement

For what digits a, b, and c is the 5-digit number abca4 divisible by 11 if c > b?

Solution

The problem asks for the digits aa, bb, and cc such that the 5-digit number abca4abc a 4 is divisible by 11, given the condition that c>bc > b.

To approach this, we apply the divisibility rule for 11. The rule states that a number is divisible by 11 if the difference between the sum of its digits in odd positions and the sum of its digits in even positions is a multiple of 11 (including 0).

For the 5-digit number abca4abc a 4, the digits are arranged as follows:

  • The odd-position digits are aa, cc, and 44.
  • The even-position digits are bb and aa.

Let's calculate the alternating sum of these digits:

S=ab+ca+4=cb+4S = a - b + c - a + 4 = c - b + 4

For the number to be divisible by 11, this sum SS must be divisible by 11:

cb+40(mod11)c - b + 4 \equiv 0 \pmod{11}

Simplifying the equation:

cb4(mod11)c - b \equiv -4 \pmod{11}

Since 47(mod11)-4 \equiv 7 \pmod{11}, we have:

cb7(mod11)c - b \equiv 7 \pmod{11}

This means that c=b+7c = b + 7, where c>bc > b.

Now, we look for pairs of digits bb and cc such that c=b+7c = b + 7 and both bb and cc are digits (i.e., between 0 and 9). The valid pairs are:

  • b=0b = 0, c=7c = 7
  • b=1b = 1, c=8c = 8
  • b=2b = 2, c=9c = 9

Thus, the possible pairs of bb and cc are:

(0,7),(1,8),(2,9)(0, 7), (1, 8), (2, 9)

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Divisibility Rules
Modular Arithmetic
Algebra

Formulas

Divisibility rule for 11: alternating sum of digits divisible by 11

Theorems

Divisibility rule for 11

Suitable Grade Level

Grade 7-9