Some base math (help!)

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If the digits represented by $A$ and $B$ satisfy the following subtraction problem

$\begin{array}{c@{}c@{\;}c@{}c@{}c@{}c} & & & & A & B_4\\ &- & & & B & A_4\\ &&&&-&-&\\ & & & & & 3_4\\ \end{array}$

what is the nonnegative difference of the digits represented by $A$ and $B$ ?

Guest Jul 1, 2021

CPhill · Answer 1 · 2021-07-01T02:16:52

21₄ = 2 (4) + 1 = 9₁₀

- 12₄ = 1(4) + 2 = 6₁₀

____

3₁₀ = 3₄

A - B =

2 - 1 =

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