Identifying the Repeating Pattern

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 23 views

Introduction

The problem of finding the sum of the digits in the expansion of a given expression is a classic example of a mathematical puzzle. In this case, we are asked to find the sum of the digits in the expansion of $$\frac{10^{36}+26}{18}$$. This problem requires us to perform long division, identify the repeating pattern in the quotient, and then find the sum of the digits in the expansion.

Understanding the Problem

To solve this problem, we need to first understand the concept of long division and how to perform it. Long division is a method of dividing a large number by a smaller number, and it involves a series of steps that help us find the quotient and the remainder. In this case, we are dividing $$10^{36}+26$$ by $$18$$.

Performing Long Division

To perform long division, we need to follow these steps:

Divide the first digit of the dividend ($$10^{36}$$) by the divisor ($$18$$). This will give us the first digit of the quotient.
Multiply the divisor by the first digit of the quotient and subtract the result from the dividend.
Bring down the next digit of the dividend and repeat the process.
Continue this process until we have divided all the digits of the dividend.

Identifying the Repeating Pattern

After performing long division, we get a quotient of $$\frac{10^{36}+26}{18} = 5.555...$$, where the dots represent the repeating pattern. The repeating pattern is a result of the fact that $$10^{36}$$ is a multiple of $$18$$, and when we divide it by $$18$$, we get a quotient with a repeating pattern.

Finding the Sum of the Digits

To find the sum of the digits in the expansion of $$\frac{10^{36}+26}{18}$$, we need to identify the repeating pattern in the quotient and then find the sum of the digits in that pattern. In this case, the repeating pattern is $$5.555...$$, and the sum of the digits in that pattern is $$5+5+5+...$$.

Calculating the Sum of the Digits

To calculate the sum of the digits in the expansion of $$\frac{10^{36}+26}{18}$$, we need to find the number of times the repeating pattern occurs in the quotient. Since the quotient is $$5.555...$$, the repeating pattern occurs $$36$$ times. Therefore, the sum of the digits in the expansion is $$5+5+5+...$$, where the dots represent the repeating pattern.

Simplifying the Sum

To simplify the sum, we can use the formula for the sum of an arithmetic series:

S_n = \frac{n}{2}(a_1 + a_n)

where $$S_n$$ is the sum of the first $$n$$ terms, $$a_1$$ is the first term, and $$a_n$$ is the last term.

In this case, the first term is $$5$$, the last term is $$5$$, and the number of terms is $$36$$. Therefore, the sum of the digits in the expansion is:

S_{36} = \frac{36}{2}(5+5) = 18(10) = 180

Conclusion

In conclusion, the sum of the digits in the expansion of $$\frac{10^{36}+26}{18}$$ is $$180$$. This problem requires us to perform long division, identify the repeating pattern in the quotient, and then find the sum of the digits in the expansion. The sum of the digits in the expansion is a result of the fact that $$10^{36}$$ is a multiple of $$18$$, and when we divide it by $$18$$, we get a quotient with a repeating pattern.

Final Answer

The final answer is: $\boxed{180}$