Adjacent-Digit Distinctness in Squares of Generalized Repunits

For an integer base \(b \ge 3\), let\[R_n^{(b)}=1+b+\cdots+b^{n-1}=\frac{b^n-1}{b-1}\]be the length-\(n\) repunit in base \(b\). We prove that the standard base-\(b\) expansion of\[\left(R_n^{(b)}\right)^2\]has no two equal adjacent digits if and only if\[n=1\qquad\text{or}\qquadn\not\equiv1\pmod{b-1}.\] The proof follows the carries generated by the triangular convolution coefficients of the square and shows that the only possible equality of adjacent digits occurs at the central transition. Specializing to \(b=10\) gives an exact criterion for decimal repunit squares. In particular,\[\left(\frac{10^{9t}-1}{9}\right)^2,\qquad t\ge1,\]forms an infinite family of distinct elements of OEIS A090516, thereby proving the infinitude statement recorded for that sequence.

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Publication Details

Journal
Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)
Published
2026-10-03
DOI
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.23115977
Primary Topic
semigroups and automata theory
Type
preprint
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preprint

Adjacent-Digit Distinctness in Squares of Generalized Repunits

Lien-Hung Su
Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)
semigroups and automata theory
preprint

Adjacent-Digit Distinctness in Squares of Generalized Repunits

Lien-Hung Su
preprint en

Abstract

For an integer base \(b \ge 3\), let\[R_n^{(b)}=1+b+\cdots+b^{n-1}=\frac{b^n-1}{b-1}\]be the length-\(n\) repunit in base \(b\). We prove that the standard base-\(b\) expansion of\[\left(R_n^{(b)}\right)^2\]has no two equal adjacent digits if and only if\[n=1\qquad\text{or}\qquadn\not\equiv1\pmod{b-1}.\] The proof follows the carries generated by the triangular convolution coefficients of the square and shows that the only possible equality of adjacent digits occurs at the central transition. Specializing to \(b=10\) gives an exact criterion for decimal repunit squares. In particular,\[\left(\frac{10^{9t}-1}{9}\right)^2,\qquad t\ge1,\]forms an infinite family of distinct elements of OEIS A090516, thereby proving the infinitude statement recorded for that sequence.

Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)
National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology (TW)
semigroups and automata theory
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