For each positive integer , let be the sum of its digits. For example, and . Let be the smallest integer for which . Determine the number of digits in .
Solution
To solve the problem, we need to find the smallest integer such that . Here, denotes the sum of the digits of .
1. Understanding the Sum of Digits Function:
- For any integer , is the sum of its digits.
- For example, and .
2. Analyzing the Problem:
- We need to find such that .
- This implies that the sum of the digits of is significantly smaller than the sum of the digits of .
3. Properties of Digit Sums:
- When multiplying a number by 5, the sum of the digits can change significantly due to carries in the decimal system.
- For example, if , then , and while .
4. **Finding the Smallest :**
- We need to find such that .
- Let's consider to be a number with many 9's, as this will maximize and minimize .
5. **Constructing :**
- Suppose has digits, all of which are 9. Then (with digits).
- For such , .
- When is multiplied by 5, (with digits of 9 and the last digit being 5).
- For , .
6. Calculating the Difference:
- We need .
- Substituting the values, we get .
- Simplifying, .
- This simplifies to , which is not possible.
7. Revising the Approach:
- We need to consider the carries more carefully.
- If has digits, then will have at most digits.
- The sum of the digits of will be less than or equal to .
8. **Finding the Correct :**
- We need .
- This simplifies to , which is not possible.
9. Correcting the Calculation:
- We need to find such that .
- Let .
- Since must be a valid sum of digits, we need to find such that is a valid sum of digits.
10. **Finding the Smallest :**
- We need to be a valid sum of digits.
- The smallest that satisfies this is .
Conclusion:
The number of digits in is .