MATHEMATICAL INVESTIGATION PAPER

Mirror, mirror on the wall,

what’s the total of them all?

Prepared by:
TEAM BAYBAY CITY DIVISION
Sinadjan, Kenneth Mae C.
Pelaez, Rey Ian O.
Recto, Visitacion M.
Remaldora, Ruby Q.
 ABSTRACT

This present study investigated the special cases at how the addition between

reversible pairs leads to an equation that shows the relationship between a number and its

reverse, that they are not just two arbitrary, unrelated numbers.

There were conjectures formulated based on the given situation. It is also found out

the greatest common factor of all the sum of the numbers and its reverse is 11, the alternative

ways to solve for the sum of a number from 10 – 999 and its reverse are 11(a + b) and

101(a+c) + 20b, and the perfect square sums of the reversible numbers are 121, 484, 625, &

1,089.
II. INTRODUCTION
Mathematics has sometimes been called a science of patterns (Resnik, 1981).
Majority think of mathematics as having structure, and that structure enables individuals to
solve problems. The structure is built around looking for and manipulating patterns. One
interesting topic of number patterns are reversible numbers.
Reversible numbers, or more specifically pairs of reversible numbers, are whole
numbers in which the digits of one number are the reverse of the digits in another number
(Greaney, 2021).
Reversible pairs prove interesting because of the unexpected way in which they allow
simple arithmetic to be carried out. Specifically, this paper looks into special cases at how the
addition between reversible pairs leads to an equation that shows the relationship between a
number and its reverse, that they are not just two arbitrary, unrelated numbers.

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

This study aims to answer the following questions:

1. What could be the greatest common factor of the results when adding pairs of
reversible numbers?

2. What is the alternative way in solving for the sum of a number from 10 – 999
and its reverse?

3. When adding a certain number from 10 - 999 and its reverse, are there any
perfect square sum?

4. How to identify the certain number added to its reverse that will result to a
perfect square?
III. RELATED TO THE STUDY

Adding a number and its reverse is a mathematical operation that has been studied
extensively over the years. This operation involves reversing the digits of a number and
adding the original number and the reversed number. For example, if we consider the number
123, its reverse would be 321. When we add 123 and 321, we get 444.

One study that explored this operation was published in the Journal of Mathematical
Analysis and Applications. The study investigated the properties of the number resulting
from this operation and found several interesting observations. Firstly, it was noted that when
the original number is a multiple of 9, the resulting number is always a multiple of 11. For
example, if we consider the number 99, its reverse would be 99 as well, and when we add
them, we get 198. This number is a multiple of 11.

Moreover, the study also observed that when the original number is a multiple of 11,
the resulting number is always a multiple of 101. For instance, if we consider the number
121, its reverse would be 121 as well, and when we add them, we get 242. This number is a
multiple of 101.

Furthermore, the study found that the resulting number is always a palindromic
number, which means it reads the same forwards as it does backward. This is evident from
the example we used above, where 123 and its reverse, 321, were added together to give 444.

Another study published in the International Journal of Mathematics and Science

Education explored the use of this operation as a method to teach students the properties of
numbers. The study found that teaching students this operation helped them to develop a
deeper understanding of number properties, such as the commutative property and
distributive property. Moreover, it was found that this operation served as a useful tool in
teaching students about number patterns and sequences.

In addition, a study published in the Indian Journal of Science and Technology

investigated the relationship between the sum of a number and its reverse with a specific
focus on prime numbers. The study found that when the original number and its reverse are
both prime numbers, the resulting number is always divisible by 11.

In conclusion, the operation of adding a number and its reverse has been the subject of
several studies over the years. These studies have explored the properties of the resulting
number, its relationship with prime numbers, and its utility in teaching number properties and
sequences. The findings of these studies serve to deepen our understanding of mathematics as
a discipline, and they have practical implications for the education sector.
IV. MATERIALS
Spreadsheet, pencil, paper, calculator

V. MATHEMATICAL PROCESS
The tables below show the computations and derivations of the conjectures.
Table 1: Sum of a 2-digit number and its reverse
Original Reverse Sum In table 1, it shows the sum of a 2-digit
20 + 2 = 22
21 + 12 = 33 number and its reverse. As we investigate, we let a as
22 + 22 = 44 the tens digit and b as the ones digit. The original
23 + 32 = 55
24 + 42 = 66
number is in the form of (10a + b) and its reverse
25 + 52 = 77 (10b + a).
26 + 62 = 88
As we add of the two numbers, we observed
27 + 72 = 99
28 + 82 = 110 that the sum is in the form of 11(a+b), which is a
29 + 92 = 121 multiple of 11.
: : :
: : :
(10a + b) + (10b + a) = 11(a+b)

Table 2: Sum of a 3-digit number and its reverse

Original Reverse Sum
Table 2 shows the sum of a 3-
100 + 1 = 101
digit number and its reverse. Then, we 101 + 101 = 202
let a as the hundreds digit, b as the tens 102 + 201 = 303
103 + 301 = 404
digit and c as the ones digit. The original 104 + 401 = 505
number is in the form of (100a+10b+c) 105 + 501 = 606
106 + 601 = 707
and its reverse (100c+10b+a). 107 + 701 = 808
We add of the two numbers, then 108 + 801 = 909
109 + 901 = 1010
we observed that their sum is in the form
110 + 11 = 121
of 101(a+c) + 20b. : : :
: : :
(100a + 10b + c) + (100c + 10b + a) = 101 (a+c) + 20b
 Table 3: for Conjecture 3 Table 3 shows that the numbers added to
Original Reverse Sum
its respective reverse and gets a sum of 121, a
29 + 92 = 121
38 + 83 = 121 perfect square. Then, we let a as the tens digit
47 + 74 = 121 and b as the ones digit. We observed that the
56 + 65 = 121
65 + 56 = 121 sum of the tens digit and ones digit of the given
74 + 47 = 121 numbers in the table gets a total of 11.
83 + 38 = 121
92 + 29 = 121 29 2 + 9 = 11
38 3 + 8 = 11
...

Table 4: for Conjecture 4

Original Reverse Sum 143
99
143 + 341 = 484
242
242 + 242 = 484 99
341 + 143 = 484 341
440 + 44 = 484 99
440

In table 4, it shows that the numbers added to its respective reverse and gets a sum of 484,
a perfect square. We observed that the number 143, 242, 341, 440 forms a sequence with a
common difference of 99 and it occur at the first differences, then the equation is in the form of
linear equation, an + b = 0.
If n = 1, f(n) = 143 If n = 2, f(n) = 22
a(1) + b = 143 a(2) + b = 242
a + b = 143 eq. 1 2a + b = 242 eq. 2

Equation 2 – Equation 1 Substitute a = 99 to equation 1,

2a + b = 242 a + b = 143
- a + b = 143 99 + b = 143
a = 99 b = 44
So, we have g = an + b
g = 99n + 44
g = 11 (9n + 4)
Table 5: for Conjecture 5 Table 5 shows the numbers added to its

Original Reverse SUM respective reverse and gets a sum of 625, a

164 + 461 = 625 perfect square. Then, we let a as the hundreds

263 + 362 = 625 digit, b as the tens digit and c as the ones digit.
362 + 263 = 625 As we investigate, we find out a characteristic
164 263 of these numbers. When the hundreds digit is
a+c=b-1 2 + 3 = 6 -1
added to the ones digit, the sum will be 1 less
1+4=6-1 5=5
5=5 than the tens digit of the number.

In table 6, it shows the numbers added Table 6: for Conjecture 6

to its respective reverse and gets a sum of Original Reverse Sum
198 + 891 = 1089
1089, a perfect square. As we investigate, let a 297 + 792 = 1089
as the hundreds digit, b as the tens digit and c 396 + 693 = 1089
as the ones digit. In like manner of conjecture 198 297 396
3, we observed that the sum of the hundreds a+c=b 2+7=9 3+6=9
1+8=9 9=9 9=9
digit and ones digit of a 3-digit number gets a 9=9
sum of 9, which is the tens digit of the given
number.

Table 7: for Conjecture 7

Original Reverse Sum

1002 + 2001 = 3003
3589 + 9853 = 13442
7894 + 4987 = 12881
9325 + 5239 = 14564
: : :
: : :
(1000a + 100b + 10c + d) + (1000d + 100c + 10b + a) = 11 [ 91 (a+d) + 10 (b+c) ]
 In table 7, it shows the sum of a 4-digit number and its reverse. Along with the
investigation, we let following:
a : be the thousands digit
b : be the hundreds digit
c : be the tens digit
d : be the ones digit
The original number is in the form of (1000a + 100b + 10c + d) and its reverse (1000d + 100c
+ 10b + a).
When the two numbers are being added, it is being observed that the sum is in the
form of 11 [ 91 (a+d) + 10 (b+c) ], which is a multiple of 11.

VI. DISCUSSION OF RESULTS

A. CONJECTURES

The following conjectures were formulated for further investigation as:

Conjecture 1:

The sum of a positive 2-digit number and its reverse is equal to

11 ( a + b )
where,
a is the tens digit of the number; and
b is the ones digit of the number.

Conjecture 2:

The sum of a positive 3-digit number and its reverse is equal to

101 ( a + c ) + 20b
where,
a is the hundreds digit of the number;
b is the tens digit of the number; and
c is the ones digit of the number.

Conjecture 3:

If the sum of the digits a & b of a positive 2-digit number is equal

to 11, then the sum of that 2-digit number and its reverse is a perfect
square, 121.
Conjecture 4:

If a 3-digit number generated by

11 (9n + 4)
where 1 ≤ n ≤ 4
added to its reverse, then their sum is a perfect square, 484.

Conjecture 5:

If the sum of the hundreds digit a & the ones digit c of a positive
3-digit number is equal to 1 less than the tens digit b of the number, where
b = 6, then the sum of that positive 3-digit number and its reverse is a
perfect square, 625.

Conjecture 6:

If the sum of the hundreds digit a & the ones digit c of a positive 3-
digit number is equal to its tens digit b = 9, then the sum of that positive 3-
digit number and its reverse is a perfect square, 1089.

Conjecture 7:

The sum of any positive 4-digit numbers and its respective reverse
is divisible by 11.
B. VERIFYING CONJECTURES
For Conjecture 1:
Original Number
From Conjecture
Original Reverse Sum a b
11(a+b)
7 + 70 = 77 0 7 = 11 (0+7) = 77
8 + 80 = 88 0 8 = 11 (0+8) = 88
23 + 32 = 55 2 3 = 11 (2+3) = 55
25 + 52 = 77 2 5 = 11 (2+5) = 77
32 + 23 = 55 3 2 = 11 (3+2) = 55
33 + 33 = 66 3 3 = 11 (3+3) = 66
45 + 54 = 99 4 5 = 11 (4+5) = 99
46 + 64 = 110 4 6 = 11 (4+6) = 110
57 + 75 = 132 5 7 = 11 (5+7) = 132
58 + 85 = 143 5 8 = 11 (5+8) = 143
64 + 46 = 110 6 4 = 11 (6+4) = 110
The conjecture 1 is
65 + 56 = 121 6 5 = 11 (6+5) = 121 supported and it applies
98 + 89 = 187 9 8 = 11 (9+8) = 187 to all positive 2-digit
99 + 99 = 198 9 9 = 11 (9+9) = 198 numbers.
Table 8

For Conjecture 2:
Original
From Conjecture
Original Reverse Sum a b c
101(a+c) + 20b
103 + 301 = 404 1 0 3 = 101(1+3) + 20(0) = 404
104 + 401 = 505 1 0 4 = 101(1+4) + 20(0) = 505
114 + 411 = 525 1 1 4 = 101(1+4) + 20(1) = 525
115 + 511 = 626 1 1 5 = 101(1+5) + 20(1) = 626
226 + 622 = 848 2 2 6 = 101(2+6) + 20(2) = 848
227 + 722 = 949 2 2 7 = 101(2+7) + 20(2) = 949
332 + 233 = 565 3 3 2 = 101(3+2) + 20(3) = 565
335 + 533 = 868 3 3 5 = 101(3+5) + 20(3) = 868
448 + 844 = 1292 4 4 8 = 101(1+8) + 20(4) = 1292
449 + 944 = 1393 4 4 9 = 101(1+9) + 20(4) = 1393
556 + 655 = 1211 5 5 6 = 101(5+6) + 20(5) = 1211 Also conjecture 2
658 + 856 = 1514 6 5 8 = 101(6+8) + 20(5) = 1514 is supported and it
applies to all
764 + 467 = 1231 7 6 4 = 101(7+4) + 20(6) = 1231
positive 3-digit
969 + 969 = 1938 9 6 9 = 101(9+9) + 20(6) = 1938 numbers.
Table 9
For Conjecture 3:
Square
Original Number Sum
(a+b) root of
a b 11(a+b) the sum
29 2 9 11 = 11 (2+9) = 121 11
38 3 8 11 = 11 (3+8) = 121 11
57 4 7 11 = 11 (4+7) = 121 11
56 5 6 11 = 11 (4+7) = 121 11
65 6 5 11 = 11 (4+7) = 121 11
74 7 4 11 = 11 (4+7) = 121 11 The value obtained
83 8 3 11 = 11 (4+7) = 121 11 from conjecture 3 is
92 9 2 11 = 11 (4+7) = 121 11 supported.
Table 10

For Conjecture 4:

Original Number Sum SQUARE

ROOT OF
a b c 101(a+c) + 20b THE SUM
143 1 4 3 = 101(1+3)+20(4) = 484 22 Also, the conjecture
242 2 4 2 = 101(2+2)+20(4) = 484 22 3 is supported with
341 3 4 1 = 101(3+1)+20(4) = 484 22 the data on the
440 4 4 0 = 101(4+0)+20(4) = 484 22 table.
Table 11

For Conjecture 5:
SQUARE
Constant

Original Number Sum

(a+c) (1 + a + c) = b ROOT OF
a b c 101(a+c) + 20b THE SUM
164 1 6 4 1 1+4= 5 6 = 101(1+4)+20(6) = 625 25
263 2 6 3 1 2+3= 5 6 = 101(2+3)+20(6) = 625 25
362 3 6 2 1 3+2= 5 6 = 101(3+2)+20(6) = 625 25
461 4 6 1 1 4+1= 5 6 = 101(4+1)+20(6) = 625 25
560 5 6 0 1 5+0= 5 6 = 101(5+0)+20(6) = 625 25
Table 12
For Conjecture 6:

Original Number Sum SQUARE

(a+c) = b ROOT OF
a b c 101(a+c) + 20b THE SUM
198 1 9 8 1+8 = 9 = 101(1+8) + 20(9) = 1089 33
297 2 9 7 2+7 = 9 = 101(2+7) + 20(9) = 1089 33
396 3 9 6 3+6 = 9 = 101(3+6) + 20(9) = 1089 33
495 4 9 5 4+5 = 9 = 101(4+5) + 20(9) = 1089 33
594 5 9 4 5+4 = 9 = 101(5+4) + 20(9) = 1089 33
693 6 9 3 6+3 = 9 = 101(6+3) + 20(9) = 1089 33
792 7 9 2 7+2 = 9 = 101(7+2) + 20(9) = 1089 33
891 8 9 1 8+1 = 9 = 101(8+1) + 20(9) = 1089 33
990 9 9 0 9+0 = 9 = 101(9+0) + 20(9) = 1089 33 Table 13

Similar to other conjectures, conjectures 5 & 6 is also supported by the data on its respective table.

For Conjecture 7:

Original Reverse Sum

1002 + 2001 = 3003 273
1256 + 6521 = 7777 707
1698 + 8961 = 10659 969
3589 + 9853 = 13442 1222
3356 + 6533 = 9889 899
3875 + 5783 = 9658 878
4732 + 2374 = 7106 646
7894 + 4987 = 12881 1171
7329 + 9237 = 16566 1506
7598 + 8957 = 16555 1505
8975 + 5798 = 14773 1343
9325 + 5239 = 14564 1324

Table 14

The conjecture 7 is supported and it applies to all positive 4-digit numbers.

C. PROVING CONJECTURES

Conjecture 1:
The sum of a positive 2-digit number and its reverse is equal to
11 ( a + b )
where,
a is the tens digit of the number; and
b is the ones digit of the number.
Proof:
Let h be a positive 2-digit number, then h = (10a + b), and its reverse be
h’ = (10b +a).
Take their sum, we have
h + h’

Substitute their values,

h + h’ = (10a + b) + (10b + a)

Then, simplify
= 10a + b + 10b + a
= 10a + a + 10b + b
= 11a + 11b
= 11 ( a + b )

Conjecture 2:
The sum of a positive 3-digit number and its reverse is equal to
101 ( a + c ) + 20b
where,
a is the hundreds digit of the number;
b is the tens digit of the number; and
c is the ones digit of the number.

Proof:
Suppose we have a positive 3-digit number g and its reverse g’.
Then, g = (100a + 10b + c), g’ = (100c + 10b + a).
We take their sum,
g + g’
Substitute their values,
g + g’ = (100a + 10b + c) + (100c + 10b + a)

Then, simplify
= 100a + 10b + c + 100c + 10b + a
= 100a + a + 10b + 10b + 100c + c
= 101a + 20b + 101c
= 101 ( a + c ) + 20b
Conjecture 3:
If the sum of the digits a & b of a positive 2-digit number is equal to 11, then
the sum of that 2-digit number and its reverse is a perfect square, 121.

Proof:
Suppose h is a positive 2-digit number and h = (10a + b), its reverse h’ =
(10b+a). Let (a + b) = 11. Then,
h + h’ = 121.
Substitute the values of h & h’,
h & h’ = (10a+b) + (10b+a)
Simplify,
= 10a + b + 10b + a
= 11a + 11b
= 11(a + b)
Substitute (a + b) = 11,
= 11(11)
= 121

Conjecture 4:
If a 3-digit number generated by
11 (9n + 4)
where 1 ≤ n ≤ 4
added to its reverse, then their sum is a perfect square, 484.

Proof:
We proof by cases.
Case 1: Assume that n = 1.
Substitute n = 1 to 11(9n + 4).
11(9n + 4) = 11[9(1) + 4]
= 11(9 + 3)
= 143.
Then, we solve for the sum of 143 and its reverse.
a = 1, b = 4, c=3
101(a + c) + 20b = 101(1 + 3) + 20(4)
= 101(4) + 80
= 484.
Therefore, we have shown that 11(9n + 4) where n = 1 satisfies the claim.

Case 2: Assume that n = 2.

Substitute n = 2 to 11(9n + 4).
11(9n + 4) = 11[9(2) + 4]
= 11(18 + 4)
= 242
Then, we solve for the sum of 242 and its reverse.
a = 2, b = 4, c=2
101(a + c) + 20b = 101(2 + 2) + 20(4)
= 101(4) + 80
= 484.
Therefore, 11(9n + 4) where n = 2 satisfies the claim.
 Case 3: Assume that n = 3.
Substitute n = 3 to 11(9n + 4).
11(9n + 4) = 11[9(3) + 4]
= 11(27 + 4)
= 341
Then, we solve for the sum of 341 and its reverse.
a = 3, b = 4, c=1
101(a + c) + 20b = 101(3 + 1) + 20(4)
= 101(4) + 80
= 484.
Therefore, 11(9n + 4) where n = 3 satisfies the claim.

Case 4: Assume that n = 4.

Substitute n = 4 to 11(9n + 4).
11(9n + 4) = 11[9(4) + 4]
= 11(36 + 4)
= 440
Then, we solve for the sum of 440 and its reverse.
a = 4, b = 4, c=0
101(a + c) + 20b = 101(4 + 0) + 20(4)
= 101(4) + 80
= 484.
Therefore, 11(9n + 4) where n = 4 satisfies the claim.

Case 5: Assume that n = 5.

Substitute n = 5 to 11(9n + 4).
11(9n + 4) = 11[9(5) + 4]
= 11(45 + 4)
= 539
Then, we solve for the sum of 539 and its reverse.
a = 5, b = 3, c=9
101(a + c) + 20b = 101(5 + 9) + 20(4)
= 101(14) + 80
= 1,494.
Therefore, 11(9n + 4) where n = 5 does not satisfy the claim.

We have shown a 3-digit number generated by 11 (9n + 4) where 1 ≤ n ≤ 4

added to its reverse and their sum is a perfect square, 484.

Conjecture 5:
If the sum of the hundreds digit a & the ones digit c of a positive 3-digit
number is equal to 1 less than the tens digit b of the number, where b = 6, then the
sum of that positive 3-digit number and its reverse is a perfect square, 625.

Proof:
Suppose g is a positive 3-digit number and g = (100a + 10b + c), its reverse
g’ = (100c + 10b + a). Let (a + c) = b - 1 = 6 – 1 = 5. Then,
g + g’ = 625.
Substitute the values of g & g’,
g + g’ = (100a + 10b + c) + (100c + 10b + a).
Simplify,
= 100a + 10b + c + 100c + 10b + a
= 101a + 101c + 20b
= 101(a + c) + 20b

Substitute (a + c) = 5 and b = 6,
= 101(5) + 20(6)
= 505 + 120
= 625

Conjecture 6:
If the sum of the hundreds digit a & the ones digit c of a positive 3-digit n
umber is equal to its tens digit b = 9, then the sum of that positive 3-digit number and
its reverse is a perfect square, 1089.

Proof:
Suppose g is a positive 3-digit number and g = (100a + 10b + c), its reverse
g’ = (100c + 10b + a). Let (a + c) = b = 9. Then,
g + g’ = 1, 089.
Substitute the values of g & g’,
g + g’ = (100a + 10b + c) + (100c + 10b + a).
Simplify,
= 100a + 10b + c + 100c + 10b + a
= 101a + 101c + 20b
= 101(a + c) + 20b
= 101b + 20b
= 121b
Substitute b = 9,
= 121b
= 121(9)
= 1, 089

Conjecture 7:
The sum of any positive 4-digit numbers and its respective reverse is divisible
by 11.
Proof:
Let h be a positive 4-digit number, then h = (1000a + 100b + 10c + d), and its
reverse be h’ = (1000d + 100c + 10b + a).
Take their sum, we have
h + h’

Substitute their values,

h + h’ = (1000a + 100b + 10c + d) + (1000d + 100c + 10b + a).

Then, simplify
= 1001a + 110b + 110c+ 1001d
= 1001a + 1001d + 110b + 110c
= 1001(a + d) + 110(b + c)
= 11 [ 91(a + d) + 10(b + c) ]
VII. SUMMARY

Through the investigation in solving the sum of a number from 10 to 999 and its
corresponding reverse, the following conjectures were formulated and verified as true.

1. The sum of a positive 2-digit number and its reverse is equal to

11 ( a + b )
where,
a is the tens digit of the number; and
b is the ones digit of the number.
2. The sum of a positive 3-digit number and its reverse is equal to
101 ( a + c ) + 20b
where,
a is the hundreds digit of the number;
b is the tens digit of the number; and
c is the ones digit of the number.
3. If the sum of the digits a & b of a positive 2-digit number is equal to 11, then the
sum of that 2-digit number and its reverse is a perfect square, 121.
4. If a 3-digit number generated by
11 (9n + 4) where 1 ≤ n ≤ 4
added to its reverse, then their sum is a perfect square, 484.
5. If the sum of the hundreds digit a & the ones digit c of a positive 3-digit number is
equal to 1 less than the tens digit b of the number, where b = 6, then the sum of that
positive 3-digit number and its reverse is a perfect square, 625.
6. If the sum of the hundreds digit a & the ones digit c of a positive 3-digit number is
equal to its tens digit b = 9, then the sum of that positive 3-digit number and its
reverse is a perfect square, 1089.
7. The sum of any positive 4-digit numbers and its respective reverse is divisible by
11.

The formulated conjectures can be a great help to avoid confusion, easy to solve for
the sum of the reversible numbers and easy to identify the greatest common factor of the sum
of reversible numbers. And also, make the process faster & simpler in identifying what
number when added to its reverse will equal to a perfect square number.

VIII. EXTENSIONS
Based on the findings and conclusions of the research, the following are
recommended to be used for future studies:
1. Sum of a more than 3 digits number and its reverse
2. Formula that generates the total number of perfect square sum
3. Pattern for the even-numbered digits