If you note, the original article isn't treating with values <1 at all, but integers; it's only when we consider the matter in terms of reciprocals that the mystery of why 142857 repeats when multiplied by any other number and no other "non-leading zero" number does. Until then it DOES seem a little disturbing that any integer will produce a different number when multiplied by another--EXCEPT 142857, which ALWAYS produces a variation of itself. On the other hand, you could say that the product of any number and another is "a variation" of both.
Yes but it only does this cyclic behavior in base 10, hence while interesting it is merely an artifact, not a natural item of significance like pi or e, there are other base 10 cyclic numbers, and plenty in other bases. Ultimately in millions of numbers its not too surprising to find something 'special' in them, same as if you shuffle a deck of cards millions of times you'll end with a combo that has all the spades in numerical order and another where it perfectly alternates each card res and black. I think you're seeing that on this number.
The intuitive mind is a sacred gift and the rational mind is a faithful servant. We have created a society that honors the servant and has forgotten the gift.
- Albert Einstein
King of Cairhien 20-7-2
Chancellor of the Landsraad, Archduke of Is'Mod
- Albert Einstein
King of Cairhien 20-7-2
Chancellor of the Landsraad, Archduke of Is'Mod
Continuing the Math Theme, WTF Is Up with the Seven?
25/05/2010 02:12:09 AM
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Number theory holds a concept called "cyclic numbers."
25/05/2010 06:04:43 AM
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"If leading zeros are not permitted on numerals, then 142857 is the only cyclic number in decimal. "
25/05/2010 06:27:36 AM
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25/05/2010 08:19:12 AM
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Happy Birthday...?
25/05/2010 08:56:59 AM
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You're a day early
25/05/2010 09:10:30 AM
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Got me on a technicality.
25/05/2010 09:19:54 AM
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Re: Got me on a technicality.
25/05/2010 09:27:59 AM
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But we're AWESOME!
25/05/2010 09:47:30 AM
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25/05/2010 09:50:43 AM
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Number THEORY is great fun, but too many folks make math too tedious, I'm afraid.
25/05/2010 09:53:21 AM
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You tend to get cyclic repeats when dividing by primes
25/05/2010 11:58:34 AM
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I actually DO feel like taking a course on number theory.
25/05/2010 12:12:10 PM
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Re: I actually DO feel like taking a course on number theory.
25/05/2010 01:46:10 PM
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Well, I'm not vouching for Wikipedias claim, just reiterating it.
25/05/2010 02:35:23 PM
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It's usually right but I wouldn't but much value on the implied importance
25/05/2010 04:22:52 PM
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If you say so; I really try hard not to channel Pythagoras.
26/05/2010 09:26:22 AM
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Re: If you say so; I really try hard not to channel Pythagoras.
26/05/2010 10:00:37 AM
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The "leading zero" thing IS a bit misleading.
26/05/2010 11:06:59 AM
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Re: The "leading zero" thing IS a bit misleading.
26/05/2010 12:33:08 PM
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