Consecutive numbers:
Consecutive numbers are numbers that follow each other in order without any gaps, where each number is exactly \(1\) more than the previous number. For example: \(5, 6, 7, 8\) are consecutive numbers.
General form of consecutive numbers:
 
Any consecutive number can be written as \(x\), (\(x + 1\)), (\(x + 2\)), (\(x + 3\)), ....
 
Any even consecutive number can be written as \(2x\), \(2x + 2\), \(2x + 4\), ....
 
Any odd consecutive number can be written as \(2x+1\), \(2x + 3\), \(2x + 5\), ....
Magic of \(+\) and \(-\) with \(4\) consecutive numbers:
Let's take four consecutive numbers as \(3\), \(4\), \(5\) and \(6\).
 
Now, we place \(+\) or \(-\) signs between them. 
 
  • \(3 + 4 + 5 + 6 = 18\)
  • \(3 + 4 + 5 - 6  = 6\)
  • \(3 + 4 - 5 + 6 = 8\)
  • \(3 - 4 + 5 + 6 = 10\)
  • \(3 - 4 - 5 + 6 = 0\)
  • \(3 + 4 - 5 - 6 = -4\)
  • \(3 - 4 + 5 - 6 = -2\)
  • \(3 - 4 - 5 - 6 = -12\)
 
Here, note that sum of all the possibilities of consecutive numbers are even number.
 
Thus, sum of any four consecutive numbers is even.
 
What is Parity?
 
Parity tells us if a number is even or odd:
  • An even number leaves no remainder when divided by \(2\). It is called as even parity (eg: \(6 \div 2 = 3\) with remainder \(0\)).
  • An odd number leaves a remainder of \(1\) when divided by \(2\). It is called as odd parity (eg: \(7 \div 2 = 3\) with remainder \(1\)).
Addition and Subtraction Parity:
 
odd \(\pm\) odd \(=\) even
 
even \(\pm\) even \(=\) even
 
odd \(\pm\) even \(=\) odd
 
Product of Parity:
 
odd \(\times\) even \(=\) even
 
odd \(\times\) odd \(=\) odd
 
Exponent Parity:
 
odd \(^3 =\) odd
Digits in Disguise
Digits in disguise means letters or symbols are used instead of numbers (digits) in a math problem or puzzle. Each letter stands for one number from \(0\) to \(9\). The goal is to find which digit each letter represents.
 
It’s like a secret code where every letter hides a number, and you need to solve the puzzle by using clues and logic.
 
How to Solve Digits in Disguise?
  • Remember each letter is one number, always the same number wherever it appears.
  • Different letters stand for different numbers.
  • Use simple math rules to guess which numbers fit.
  • Check if the sum or product is right after you guess.
Example:
 
AB×B¯96¯
 
Find the value of \(A\) and \(B\).
 
Solution:
 
It is given that \(B \times B = 6\).
 
Thus, \(B\) takes the value either \(4\) or \(6\).
 
When \(B = 4\), we have:
 
A4×4¯96¯
 
\(\Rightarrow (A \times 4) + 1 = 9\) [Where \(1\) is the carry over of \(16\)]
 
\(\Rightarrow 4A + 1 = 9\)
 
\(\Rightarrow 4A = 8\)
 
\(\Rightarrow A = 2\)
 
Thus, \(A = 2\) and \(B = 4\).