units digit

This topic has expert replies
Master | Next Rank: 500 Posts
Posts: 150
Joined: Tue Mar 08, 2011 4:38 am
Thanked: 5 times

units digit

by finance » Sat Jul 02, 2011 12:50 am
If x & y are both positive integers, and x>y, what's the units digit of (10^x-9^y)^2=?

A) 1
B) 3
C) 5
D) 8
E) 9

I thought it should be 9, but that's not the answer.
Source: — Problem Solving |

Legendary Member
Posts: 1448
Joined: Tue May 17, 2011 9:55 am
Location: India
Thanked: 375 times
Followed by:53 members

by Frankenstein » Sat Jul 02, 2011 1:24 am
Hi,
10^x ends with 0
9^y end with either 9 or 1
So, 10^x-9^y ends with 1 or 9
Any number ending with 1 or 9 when squared ends with 1.

Hence, A
Cheers!

Things are not what they appear to be... nor are they otherwise

Master | Next Rank: 500 Posts
Posts: 150
Joined: Tue Mar 08, 2011 4:38 am
Thanked: 5 times

by finance » Sat Jul 02, 2011 1:30 am
oh, I understood where I was careless now. Thank you Frankenstein!