A symmetry approach to number tricks
Abstract
We generalize the classical "1089-number trick", which states that a certain combination of addition, subtraction and swapping the digits of a three-digit number will always output 1089. More precisely, we show that any pair of zero divisors $fg=0$ in the group ring ${\mathbb Z}[Σ_n]$ on the n-th symmetric group gives rise to a partition of the set of n-digit numbers into subsets $U_{\mathbf e}$ defined by linear inequalities, such that the zero divisors act constantly on each $U_{\mathbf e}$ and hence define a number trick.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Art
Technology
and Culture
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Elemente der Mathematik
- Publication date
- 2 April 2026
- Language
- EN