2022 AIME I Problems/Problem 2

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Problem

Find the three-digit positive integer $\underline{a}\,\underline{b}\,\underline{c}$ whose representation in base nine is $\underline{b}\,\underline{c}\,\underline{a}_{\,\text{nine}},$ where $a,$ $b,$ and $c$ are (not necessarily distinct) digits.

Solution

We are given that \[100a + 10b + c = 81b + 9c + a,\] which rearranges to \[99a = 71b + 8c.\] Taking both sides modulo $71,$ we have

\begin{align*}
28a &\equiv 8c \pmod{71} \\
7a &\equiv 2c \pmod971}.
\end{align*} (Error compiling LaTeX. Unknown error_msg)

The only solution occurs at $(a,c)=(2,7),$ from which $b=2.$

Therefore, the requested three-digit positive integer is $\underline{a}\,\underline{b}\,\underline{c}=\boxed{227}.$

~MRENTHUSIASM

See Also

2022 AIME I (ProblemsAnswer KeyResources)
Preceded by
Problem 2
Followed by
Problem 4
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
All AIME Problems and Solutions

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