AMC 10 Step by Step
2010 AMC 10AProblem 25P21-25~10 minPrint

Jim starts with a positive integer nn and creates a sequence of numbers. Each successive number is obtained by subtracting the largest possible integer square less than or equal to the current number until zero is reached. For example, if Jim starts with n=55n = 55 , then his sequence contains 55 numbers:

555572=6622=2212=1112=0\begin{array}{ccccc} {}&{}&{}&{}&55\\ 55&-&7^2&=&6\\ 6&-&2^2&=&2\\ 2&-&1^2&=&1\\ 1&-&1^2&=&0\\ \end{array}

Let NN be the smallest number for which Jim’s sequence has 88 numbers. What is the units digit of NN ?

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Problem © Mathematical Association of America (MAA), American Mathematics Competitions. Reproduced for non-commercial educational use. Solution and commentary are original to this site.