Mathematics Problem Of the Week

Spring 2004

POW 3

Numerical Black Holes

Find all the numbers such that if you take the sum of the digits raised to the 4^th power, you get the original number back. For example, look at n=253.

2⁴ + 5⁴ + 3⁴ = 16 + 625 + 81 = 722

So, THAT doesn’t work.

Due Friday, February 13^th at Noon.

Solutions should be submitted to Dr. Maegan Bos' mailbox in the Math office or sent via e-mail to mbos@stlawu.edu.

Presentation counts! The prize-winning entry will be selected from all correct submissions, based on the clarity, creativity and elegance of the solution.

Look for the SLU POW on the Web at http://it.stlawu.edu/~math/activities/