Math Is Fun Forum
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#26 2013-06-16 02:39:41
Re: what is the last digit?
New Problem
Compute the last 3 digits of 171^172.
'And fun? If maths is fun, then getting a tooth extraction is fun. A viral infection is fun. Rabies shots are fun.'
'God exists because Mathematics is consistent, and the devil exists because we cannot prove it'
I'm not crazy, my mother had me tested.
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#27 2013-06-16 03:12:11
- bobbym
- bumpkin
- From: Bumpkinland
- Registered: 2009-04-12
- Posts: 109,606
Re: what is the last digit?
Hi;
In mathematics, you don't understand things. You just get used to them.
If it ain't broke, fix it until it is.
Always satisfy the Prime Directive of getting the right answer above all else.
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#28 2013-06-16 03:14:54
- phrontister
- Real Member
- From: The Land of Tomorrow
- Registered: 2009-07-12
- Posts: 4,887
Re: what is the last digit?
Hi Agnishom,
641
"The good news about computers is that they do what you tell them to do. The bad news is that they do what you tell them to do." - Ted Nelson
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#29 2013-06-16 04:34:57
Re: what is the last digit?
I can't handle either cases.
How do you do it?
[This problem is not meant for a computer]
'And fun? If maths is fun, then getting a tooth extraction is fun. A viral infection is fun. Rabies shots are fun.'
'God exists because Mathematics is consistent, and the devil exists because we cannot prove it'
I'm not crazy, my mother had me tested.
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#30 2013-06-16 04:37:43
- bobbym
- bumpkin
- From: Bumpkinland
- Registered: 2009-04-12
- Posts: 109,606
Re: what is the last digit?
I have been waiting. There are 3 basic ways.
1) Do some raising of a power and play spot the pattern.
2) Repeated squaring.
3) Use the binomial theorem.
1) Did not yield anything I could do. Which of 2 and 3 would you like?
In mathematics, you don't understand things. You just get used to them.
If it ain't broke, fix it until it is.
Always satisfy the Prime Directive of getting the right answer above all else.
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