Problem

Source: China TST 2002 Quiz

Tags: combinatorics unsolved, combinatorics



There is a game. The magician let the participant think up a positive integer (at least two digits). For example, an integer $ \displaystyle\overline{a_1a_2 \cdots a_n}$ is rearranged as $ \overline{a_{i_1}a_{i_2} \cdots a_{i_n}}$, that is, $ i_1, i_2, \cdots, i_n$ is a permutation of $ 1,2, \cdots, n$. Then we get $ n!-1$ integers. The participant is asked to calculate the sum of the $ n!-1$ numbers, then tell the magician the sum $ S$. The magician claims to be able to know the original number when he is told the sum $ S$. Try to decide whether the magician can be successful or not.