Let \(r_1,r_2,r_3,\ldots\) be a sequence of all rational numbers in \( (0,1) \) except finitely many numbers. Let \(r_j=0.a_{j,1}a_{j,2}a_{j,3}\cdots\) be a decimal representation of \(r_j\). (For instance, if \(r_1=\frac{1}{3}=0.333333\cdots\), then \(a_{1,k}=3\) for any \(k\).)

Prove that the number \(0.a_{1,1}a_{2,2}a_{3,3}a_{4,4}\cdots\) given by the main diagonal cannot be a rational number.

The best solution was submitted by Kim, Joo Wan (김주완, 수리과학과 2010학번). Congratulations!

Here is his Solution of Problem 2012-18.

Alternative solutions were submitted by 이명재 (2012학번, +3), 김태호 (수리과학과 2011학번, +3), 임현진 (물리학과 2010학번, +3), 박민재 (2011학번, +3), 서기원 (수리과학과 2009학번, +2), 이신영 (2012학번, +2),  윤영수 (2011학번, +2), 박훈민 (대전과학고 2학년, +3), 어수강 (서울대학교 수리과학부 석사과정, +2), 윤성철 (홍익대학교 수학교육학과 2009학번, +2). There were 3 incorrect solutions submitted (JWS, KDR, JSH).