Smallest Integer
If the largest of X consecutive integers is M, what is the smallest ?
Labels: mathemagic
posted by Rajesh Lal at
10:57 PM
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Links
Search
Share
- Tom Chrome Extension
- ToM @ Twitter
- MeeT ToM
- Daily Tricks Widget
- Vista Gadget 1.5
- iPhone Widget
- Windows XP Widget
- Google Toolbar Button
- Suggestions
Favorite Links
- Vista Sidebar Gadgets
- Widgets for Web 2.0
- C Sharp Tricks
- Interview Information
- Illustrator - Elar Alexander
Bookmark Us
Previous Posts
- Pentagon Problem
- On Solving Problems
- Symbol Reader
- Our World
- Labyrinth-1
- repeat
- Eleven words from seven Letters
- Word Fun
- Another Odd Rafting Trip
- So You Know Maths
10 Comments:
Woah, First Post!!!
I see no reason why it wouldn't be Y.
Or any arbitrary letter...
(:
M-X
simple:
smallest = M - (X - 1)
Explanation for the anon above me..ppl really need to give explanations u noe. This one is using Arithmetic Progression. If you think about it logically also u can get it. But the derivation with AP:
d=1 as they are consecutive and term n=term1+ (n-1)d
over here it is = term 1 +(n-1)1
term n is the last integer.. i.e. it is M
so, M =term 1 + (n-1)1
=> M-n+1 = Term 1
Boring, this was really dumb and nearly most ppl noe it
If the largest of X consecutive integers is M, what is the smallest ?
Lets say the consecutive integers are 6,7,and 8. Then x = 3 and M = 8. Then the smallest is M-x+1.
good question, this one. some stupid answers though
the answer is CMXCI
Ragknot and the second anon to post a real answer have it right. M-X+1 is the same as M-(X-1). And Ragknot gave a good explanation.
Well I thought my answer would reveal the thinking behind the question but I guess not. I despair.
In Roman numerals M = 1000
In Roman numerals X = 10
So making the appropriate replacements you get the answer 991, which in Roman numerals is
CMXCI
Remember this is ToM. You have to ask yourself why those specific letters were chosen - and capitalised. Normally in algebra you use x, y, z and lower case, unless you are indicating a constant.
So Ragnot's and Alan's answers, while technically correct, miss the point of the question, which is to think a little laterally.
Post a Comment
Links to this post:
Create a Link
<< Home