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MathXplosion, Ep 40: Kaprekar's operation

Video MathXplosion, Ep 40: Kaprekar's operation

TLF ID M024984

Did you know that 6,174 is a very mysterious number? In 1949, the mathematician Dr Kaprekar from India devised a process now known as Kaprekar's operation. First, choose a four-digit number where the digits are all different. Then rearrange the digits to get the largest and smallest numbers these digits can make. Finally, subtract the smallest number from the largest to get a new number, and carry on repeating the operation for each new number. You always reach 6,174: a constant.

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  • This resource is available on ABC Splash
Year level

5; 6; 7; 8

Topics Calculators Number operations Problem solving Subtraction Integers Division Multiplication Remainders Mental arithmetic Mixed numbers Commutativity Distributivity Associativity Written calculations
Learning area
  • Mathematics

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  • Name: Australian Broadcasting Corporation
  • Organization: Australian Broadcasting Corporation
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  • Name: Education Services Australia Ltd
  • Organisation: Education Services Australia Ltd
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