22.6Math Studio · Chapter 22
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Lesson 22.6 · Consecutive Natural Numbers

Construct and Optimize with Digits and Group Sums

用数字构造并优化 · 分组和

Use divisibility, scarce digits, fixed totals, and complete enumeration to build valid arrangements—and then prove that no better arrangement exists.

Conditions first → objective second → proof last
Grade 510 missionsInteractive buildersoriginal pages 130–131
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Mission 1

Separate feasibility, objective, and proof

Construction problems often contain two different jobs: make something legal, then make one measured quantity as large or as small as possible.

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1Feasibility

Check every printed condition: allowed digits, digit frequency, divisibility, group membership, and total.

2Objective

Calculate the exact quantity being optimized: the smallest number, the largest number, or a group sum.

3Optimality proof

Give a bound showing that no arrangement can do better, then give a construction that reaches the bound.

One valid construction proves possible. It does not prove best possible.

Check the language

Mission 2

Use the last two digits to control divisibility by 4

The worked example construction uses the digits 1 through 9 exactly once to form three three-digit multiples of 4. The last two digits carry the strongest immediate restriction.

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Worked example 6

Why the four even digits are scarce resources

Every multiple of 4 is even, so each three-digit number needs an even units digit. The only available even digits are:

2468

There are three units places but four even digits. Among three distinct even units digits, at least one is4or8. That ending needs an even tens digit as well, using the fourth even digit. Thus all four even digits are used in the endings, leaving only odd digits for the hundreds places.

All distinct-digit endings from 1–9 that are divisible by 4

If the units digit is 2 or 6, the tens digit is odd. If the units digit is 4 or 8, the tens digit is even.

Maximize the smallest hundreds digit

After the ending positions are assigned, the three hundreds digits must be odd. To make the smallest number as large as possible, reserve:

579

Largest possible 5-hundreds candidate

With 7 and 9 reserved as the other hundreds digits, the best remaining tens digit is 8. Divisibility by 4 then forces the units digit 4:

5 | 84 → 584
Mission 3

Build and audit your own construction

Use each digit1–9 exactly once across three three-digit multiples of4. Make the smallest of your three numbers as large as possible. To complete this mission, enter any construction attaining584; the order of the three numbers does not matter. The validator checks the printed conditions separately, so a numerical success cannot hide a repeated or missing digit.

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Mission 4

Prove the optimum and enumerate every optimum

The worked example proves the upper bound 584 and gives two constructions. A separate runtime search checks every legal construction and determines whether more optimum arrangements exist.

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3numbers need even units digits
5, 7, 9best possible hundreds digits
584upper bound for the smallest
attainedso the bound is optimal
ConstructionSmallest memberStatus
original integrity: this lesson displays two valid optimum constructions. The other rows are added exhaustive-search results; they are not claimed as a complete list by the printed original.
Mission 5

Minimize the largest two-digit number

original Exercise 4 uses digits 1 through 7 exactly once to form three two-digit numbers and one one-digit number. Their total is100. Minimize the largest of the three two-digit numbers. Enter any valid construction attaining42 to complete this mission; number order does not matter.

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original Exercise 4

Use place value before searching

Let the three tens digits sum to T. The sum of all seven digits is 28.

10T + (all remaining digit values) = 100
10T + (28 − T) = 100 ⟹ 9T = 72 ⟹ T = 8

The three tens digits must therefore be either {1,2,5} or {1,3,4}. To keep the largest number small, use {1,3,4}. The 4-tens number cannot end in 0 or 1, so its least available units digit is 2. This proves a lower bound of 42.

Mission 6

Partition 1–8 into three unequal group sums

Partition1–8 into three nonempty groups, using each number exactly once. Find three groups whose sums are all different and whose largest sum is twice the smallest.

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Determine the three target sums first

The total is:

1+2+⋯+8 = 36

Let the ordered sums be:

x < y < 2x, x+y+2x=36

The inequalities force the integer value:

x=8, y=12, 2x=16

Then construct actual groups

A sum pattern is not enough. Every number from 1 through 8 must appear exactly once in one group.

The validator accepts any construction with group sums 8, 12, and 16.

Assign every number

Mission 7

Use all six permutations without adding them one by one

Choose three distinct digits from1–9, without repetition. Their six different three-digit permutations total 3330.

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original Exercise 9

Count place-value appearances

Each chosen digit appears:

  • twice in the hundreds place;
  • twice in the tens place;
  • twice in the ones place.
sum of six permutations = 2(100+10+1)(a+b+c)
= 222(a+b+c)

Recover and optimize the digit set

3330 ÷ 222 = 15

So the three digits must sum to 15. To make the largest permutation as large as possible, maximize the hundreds digit first, then the tens digit. Choose9;the two other digits must total6. Their largest possible distinct pair is5and1, giving951.

Permutation laboratory

Mission 8

State the convention before optimizing a patterned ending

Guided Practice 4 asks for the least n such that 1+2+⋯+n has units digit 3 and tens digit 0. The printed wording permits two readings.

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Guided Practice 4

Interpretation A: write a one-digit total as 03

T₂=1+2=3=03

Under a fixed two-character display, the least index is 2.

Guided Practice 4

Interpretation B: require a visible tens place

T₃₇=1+2+⋯+37=703

Under the ordinary numeral interpretation, the least index is 37.

original wording note: the page should not silently choose one convention. This lesson displays both and labels the convention explicitly.

Triangular-ending laboratory

22 transfer

Two-digit numbers equal to four times their digit sum

For a two-digit number 10a+b:

10a+b=4(a+b) ⟹ b=2a

Try it on your own — a new problem

This extra practice does not change your mission score. Try before opening a hint.

Use digits 1,2,3,4 exactly once to make two two-digit numbers. What is the largest possible value of the smaller number?

Mission 9

Independent workshop

Use the strongest structural restriction before attempting a case search. Correct all eight answers to complete this mission.

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Mission 10

Exit ticket and certificate

Correct all five answers and complete the other nine missions to unlock the chapter badge.

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Certificate of completion

Digit & Group-Sum Optimization Architect

Student

completed Lesson 22.6 by validating constructions, proving extrema, and preserving every mathematically valid optimum.