2022 AIME I Problems/Problem 2

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 $\begin{align*} 28a &\equiv 8c \pmod{71} \\ 7a &\equiv 2c \pmod{71}. \end{align*}$ 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

2022 AIME I (Problems • Answer Key • Resources)
Preceded by Problem 2	Followed by Problem 4
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2022 AIME I Problems/Problem 2

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