Number Base Systems Equation

XAT 2013 · Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation · Hard · Number Systems

Consider the expression (xxx)b=x3(xxx)_b = x^3, where b is the base, and x is any digit of base b. Find the value of b:

  1. A.

    5

  2. B.

    6

  3. C.

    7

  4. D.

    8

  5. E.

    None of the above

Answer

E

Explanation

(xxx)b=x⋅b2+x⋅b+x=x(b2+b+1)(xxx)_b = x \cdot b^2 + x \cdot b + x = x(b^2 + b + 1). x(b2+b+1)=x3  ⟹  b2+b+1=x2x(b^2 + b + 1) = x^3 \implies b^2 + b + 1 = x^2. Since x<bx < b, x2<b2<b2+b+1x^2 < b^2 < b^2 + b + 1, so b2+b+1=x2b^2 + b + 1 = x^2 has no valid integer solution with x<bx < b. Thus, None of the above.

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