Suprising Number Patterns I

There are times when the charm of mathematics lies in the surprising nature of its number system. There are not many words needed to demonstrate this charm. It is obvious from the patterns attained. Look, enjoy, and spread these amazing properties to your students. Let them appreciate the patterns and, if possible, try to look for an "explanation" for this. Most important is that the students can get an appreciation for the beauty in these number patterns.

Notice (below) how various products of 76,923 yield numbers in the same order but with a different starting point. Here the first digit of the product goes to the end of the number to form the next product. Otherwise, the order of the digits is intact.

Notice (below) how various products of 76,923 yield different numbers from those above, yet again, in the same order but with a different starting point. Again, the first digit of the product goes to the end of the number to form the next product. Otherwise, the order of the digits is intact.

Another peculiar number is 142,857. When it is multiplied by the numbers 2 through 8, the results are astonishing. Consider the following products and describe the peculiarity.

You can see symmetries in the products but notice also that the same digits are used in the product as in the first factor. Furthermore, consider the order of the digits. With the exception of the starting point, they are in the same sequence.

Now look at the product, 142,857 • 7 = 999,999. Surprised ?

It gets even stranger with the product, 142,857 • 8 = 1,142,856. If we remove the millions digit and add it to the units digit, the original number is formed.

It would be wise to allow the students to discover the patterns themselves. You can present a starting point or a hint at how they ought to start and then let them make the discoveries themselves. This will give them a sense of “ownership” in the discoveries. These are just a few numbers that yield strange products.