Friedman number

Consider the integer 28547. In the equation $28547={(8+5)}^4-(7\times 2)$ expressed in base 10, both sides use the same digits.

An integer is a Friedman number if it can be put into an equation such that both sides use the same digits but the right hand side has one or more basic arithmetic operators (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, exponentiation) interspersed. Brackets, as usual, are essential to clarify the order of operations. These numbers are named after Erich Friedman, Assoc. Professor of Mathematics at Stetson University. With the help of his students he has researched Friedman numbers in bases 2 through 10 and even with Roman numerals.

When both sides use the digits in the same order, the number is called a ”nice” or ”strong” Friedman number. For example, $3125={(3+[1\times 2])}^5$.

These concepts can be transplanted into any standard positional numbering system using 0. Transplanting into the realm of Roman numerals, however, requires the addition of the extra constraint that the right hand side of the equation use at least one other operator besides addition or subtraction.

0.1 Links

http://www.stetson.edu/ efriedma/mathmagic/0800.htmlProblem of the Month, August 2000

http://www.research.att.com/projects/OEIS?Anum=A036057Sloane’s A036057

http://www.research.att.com/projects/OEIS?Anum=A080035Sloane’s A080035

Title	Friedman number
Canonical name	FriedmanNumber
Date of creation	2013-03-22 15:36:45
Last modified on	2013-03-22 15:36:45
Owner	aplant (12431)
Last modified by	aplant (12431)
Numerical id	10
Author	aplant (12431)
Entry type	Definition
Classification	msc 11A63