5
$\begingroup$

There is a 6-sided die with 6 different positive integer numbers on it. The die is rolled four times and it is guaranteed that the multiplication of these four numbers ($O_1 \times O_2\times O_3 \times O_4$) is divisible by the sum of the numbers ($D_1+D_2+D_3+D_4+D_5+D_6$) on the die.

What is the minimum value of the sum of the numbers on the die?

$\endgroup$

1 Answer 1

6
$\begingroup$

The minimal value of the sum $D_1+D_2+D_3+D_4+D_5+D_6$ is

$81$.

Proof

First, note that

the product of the $O_j$ must be divisible by $\sum D_i$ even if $O_j=\min_i(D_i)$ for all $j$.

  • Clearly, then, $\min_i(D_i)$ can't be $1$ or $2$, since $1$ and $16$ can't be multiples of any sum of six distinct natural numbers.
  • So let's try $\min_i(D_i)=3$. Then $\sum D_i$ must be a factor of $81$, and therefore a power of $3$ (and clearly not $3^0=1$), which means every $D_j$ has to be a multiple of $3$, so $\sum D_i=81=3\times27$.

This is achievable with e.g.

$\{D_i\}_i=\{3,6,9,12,15,36\}$. Clearly any product of four of these will be a multiple of $81$, which is their sum.

$\endgroup$
3
  • $\begingroup$ "... therefore all Di are multiples of 6". I don't see how this follows, can you elaborate? $\endgroup$
    – ffao
    Aug 8, 2017 at 21:47
  • $\begingroup$ @ffao All fixed. $\endgroup$ Aug 8, 2017 at 22:01
  • $\begingroup$ A simpler argument is that $3+4+5+6+7+8>27$, leaving $81$ as the only possibility for the sum. Though you'd still need your argument to construct a working example. $\endgroup$ Aug 8, 2017 at 22:18

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.