Mark Boyd <[log in to unmask]> queries:

> The question:
>         What is the last digit in the number 346?
>
> She answered 6 and so did I.  The correct answer is apparently 3.  Why?
> I've already written a note to the teacher requesting an explanation, but
I
> was hoping someone in the group could come up with something better than
> "Because the book says so".

This is one of those questions that beg for definitions.  For instance, what
is meant by last?  If you mean the last digit read when pronouncing the
number then it is indeed, 6.  However, if you mean the last digit processed
arithmetically, then the answer is 3 and this is why:

346 = 6 x 1 (10 to the zero power) + 4 x 10 (10 to first power) + 3 x 100
(10 to the second power)

At least, that's my story and I'm sticking to it.  :-)

Jim Phillips                           Information Systems Manager
Email: [log in to unmask]     Therm-O-Link, Inc.
Phone: 330-527-2124                         P. O. Box 285
Fax:   330-527-2123                           10513 Freedom Street
Web:   http://www.tolwire.com          Garrettsville, OH  44231

* To join/leave the list, search archives, change list settings, *
* etc., please visit http://raven.utc.edu/archives/hp3000-l.html *