2013 AMC 10B Problem 25
Problem 25 of 25HarderNumber Theory
Bernardo chooses a three-digit positive integer and writes both its base- and base- representations on a blackboard. Later LeRoy sees the two numbers Bernardo has written. Treating the two numbers as base- integers, he adds them to obtain an integer
For example, if Bernardo writes the numbers and and LeRoy obtains the sum For how many choices of are the two rightmost digits of in order, the same as those of
Answer choices
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Solution
It is enough to work modulo , because the last two base-, base-, and decimal digits repeat with that period.
Let the last two base- digits be and the last two base- digits be . The units digit condition gives , so .
Writing , the base- tens digit condition gives , so .
The tens digit condition for and reduces to . With and , the valid pairs are .
There are choices for , so there are choices of .
Thus, the correct answer is E .