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Question
The function is defined for each positive three-digit integer by , where , and are the hundreds, tens, and units digits of , respectively. If and are three-digit positive integers such that , then

Answer Choices
- A.8
- B.9
- C.18
- D.20
- E.80
Steps
| Explanation | Calculations | Help |
|---|---|---|
We let the digits of be , , and , and the digits of be , , and . | ||
We express the ratio of to in terms of the digit differences. | ||
We set this ratio equal to 9 and write 9 as a power of primes. | ||
We match each prime exponent on both sides to find how the digits differ. | Theory & Tactics Method Card ALG7 Click to view full details | |
We express in terms of the digit differences. | ||
We substitute the differences and calculate. |
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Final Answer
20
Question
The function is defined for each positive three-digit integer by , where , and are the hundreds, tens, and units digits of , respectively. If and are three-digit positive integers such that , then

Answer Choices
- A.8
- B.9
- C.18
- D.20
- E.80
Steps
| Explanation | Calculations | Help |
|---|---|---|
We let the digits of be , , and , and the digits of be , , and . | ||
We express the ratio of to in terms of the digit differences. | ||
We set this ratio equal to 9 and write 9 as a power of primes. | ||
We match each prime exponent on both sides to find how the digits differ. | Theory & Tactics Method Card ALG7 Click to view full details | |
We express in terms of the digit differences. | ||
We substitute the differences and calculate. |
Scroll horizontally to view all columns
Final Answer
20