It depends on what the meaning of is is.   :-)

Have a great weekend.!

> -----Original Message-----
> From: Jim Phillips [SMTP:[log in to unmask]]
> Sent: Friday, September 28, 2001 1:33 PM
> To:   [log in to unmask]
> Subject:      Re: Wildly OT: Simple math question
>
> 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
>
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