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Code to Zero

Age 16 to 18
Challenge Level Yellow star
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Find all the 3 digit numbers such that by adding the first digit, the square of the second digit and the cube of the third digit you get the original number, for example $1 + 3^2 + 5^3 = 135$. Can you find ways of reducing the search so that you do not need to test 900 cases?

[This problem appears in Ken Follett's spy thriller of the same name].


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The NRICH Project aims to enrich the mathematical experiences of all learners. To support this aim, members of the NRICH team work in a wide range of capacities, including providing professional development for teachers wishing to embed rich mathematical tasks into everyday classroom practice.

NRICH is part of the family of activities in the Millennium Mathematics Project.

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