# Problem on Prime Numbers | SMO, 2012 | Problem 20

Try this beautiful problem from Singapore Mathematics Olympiad, SMO, 2012 based on Prime numbers.

## Problem on Prime Numbers - (SMO Test)

Let A be a 4 - digit integer. When both the first digit (leftmost) and the third digit are increased by n, and the second digit and the fourth digit are decreased by n, the new number is n times A. Find the value of A.

• 1201
• 1551
• 1818
• 2000

### Key Concepts

Algebra

Prime Number

Challenges and Thrills - Pre - College Mathematics

## Try with Hints

If you got stuck you can follow this hint:

We can assume the 4 digit number to be A = $\overline {abcd}$

If we expand it into the equation

1000(a+n) + 100(b - n) + 10(c+n) + (d-n) = nA

Try the rest of the sum ...........

After the previous hint :

If we compare the equation it gives :

A + 909 n = nA or

(n-1)A = 909 n

Now one thing we can understand that n and (n-1) are relatively prime and 101 is a prime number . So n= 2 or n= 4.

We have almost got the answer .So try to do the rest now ..........

If n = 4 then A = 1212, which is impossible right?

as b<n given .so

n=2 and A = $909 \times 2$ = 1818

## Subscribe to Cheenta at Youtube

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

### Cheenta. Passion for Mathematics

Advanced Mathematical Science. Taught by olympians, researchers and true masters of the subject.