Q10. 10. On January 1st, 2023, a person saved Rs 1. On January 2nd, 2023, he saved Rs. 2 more than that on the previous day. On January 3rd, 2023, he saved Rs. 2 more than that on the previous day and so on. At the end of which date was his total savings a perfect square as well a perfect cube?
Detailed Solution
The savings pattern is 1, 3, 5, 7, ... which is a sequence of odd numbers. The sum of the first 'n' odd numbers is given by n^2. We are looking for a total savings amount that is both a perfect square and a perfect cube, meaning it must be a perfect sixth power (e.g., k^6).
Let's calculate the cumulative savings: - End of Jan 1st: 1 (1^2, 1^3) - End of Jan 2nd: 1 + 3 = 4 (2^2, not a cube) - End of Jan 3rd: 1 + 3 + 5 = 9 (3^2, not a cube) - End of Jan 4th: 1 + 3 + 5 + 7 = 16 (4^2, not a cube) - End of Jan 5th: 1 + 3 + 5 + 7 + 9 = 25 (5^2, not a cube) - End of Jan 6th: 1 + 3 + 5 + 7 + 9 + 11 = 36 (6^2, not a cube) - End of Jan 7th: 1 + 3 + 5 + 7 + 9 + 11 + 13 = 49 (7^2, not a cube) - End of Jan 8th: 1 + 3 + 5 + 7 + 9 + 11 + 13 + 15 = 64. Here, 64 is 8^2 (a perfect square) and 4^3 (a perfect cube).
Thus, the condition is met at the end of January 8th, 2023. This question combines arithmetic progression with properties of numbers.
More Quantitative Aptitude Questions
Q78. What is the 489th digit in the number 123456789101112...?...
DQ75. A set (X) of 20 pipes can fill 70% of a tank in 14 minutes. Another set (Y) of 10 pipes fills 3/8th ...
DQ76. If n is a natural number, then what is the number of distinct remainders of (1ⁿ + 2ⁿ) when divided b...
CQ77. Let P = QQQ be a 3-digit number. What is the HCF of P and 481?...
CQ5. 5. What is the least possible number of cuts required to cut a cube into 64 identical pieces?...
BMore from UPSC 2024 CSAT
Q1. 1. Which of the following statements best reflect the most logical and rational inferences that can ...
BQ2. 2. Based on the above passage, the following assumptions have been made : 1. The food distribution m...
AQ3. 3. Which of the following statements best reflects/reflect the most logical and rational inference/i...
CQ4. 4. Based on the above passage, the following assumptions have been made : 1. Fiscal policies of gove...
DQ5. 5. What is the least possible number of cuts required to cut a cube into 64 identical pieces?...
BAce UPSC with AI-powered Practice
LearnPro's test series adapts to your weak topics and shows real analytics.
Explore Courses →