1 Number System

FUNDAMENTAL CONCEPTS
I. Numbers
In Hindu-Arabic system, we have ten digits, namely 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9.
A number is denoted by a group of digits, called numeral.
For denoting a numeral, we use the place-value chart, given below.
Ten- Crores Ten- Lakhs Ten- Thousands Hundreds Tens Ones
Crores Lakhs Thousands
(i) 5 2 8 6 7 9
(ii) 4 3 8 0 9 6 7
(iii) 3 5 2 1 8 0 0 9
(iv) 5 6 1 3 0 7 0 9 0
The four numerals shown above may be written in words as:
(i) Five lakh twenty-eight thousand six hundred seventy-nine
(ii) Forty-three lakh eighty thousand nine hundred sixty-seven
(iii) Three crore fifty-two lakh eighteen thousand nine
(iv) Fifty-six crore thirteen lakh seven thousand ninety
Now, suppose we are given the following four numerals in words:
(i) Nine crore four lakh six thousand two
(ii) Twelve crore seven lakh nine thousand two hundred seven
(iii) Four lakh four thousand forty
(iv) Twenty-one crore sixty lakh five thousand fourteen
Then, using the place-value chart, these may be written in figures as under:
Ten- Crores Ten- Lakhs Ten- Thousands Hundreds Tens Ones
Crores Lakhs Thousands
(i) 9 0 4 0 6 0 0 2
(ii) 1 2 0 7 0 9 2 0 7
(iii) 4 0 4 0 4 0
(iv) 2 1 6 0 0 5 0 1 4
II. Face value and Place value (or Local Value) of a Digit in a Numeral
(i) The face value of a digit in a numeral is its own value, at whatever place it may be.
Ex. In the numeral 6872, the face value of 2 is 2, the face value of 7 is 7, the face value of 8 is 8 and the
face value of 6 is 6.
(ii) In a given numeral:
Place value of ones digit = (ones digit) × 1,
Place value of tens digit = (tens digit) × 10,
Place value of hundreds digit = (hundreds digit) × 100 and so on.
Ex. In the numeral 70984, we have
Place value of 4 = (4 × 1) = 4,
Place value of 8 = (8 × 10) = 80,
Place value of 9 = (9 × 100) = 900,
Place value of 7 = (7 × 10000) = 70000.
Note: Place value of 0 in a given numeral is 0, at whatever place it may be.
III. Various Types of Numbers
1. Natural Numbers: Counting numbers are called natural numbers.
Thus, 1, 2, 3, 4, ........... are all natural numbers.
2. Whole Numbers: All counting numbers, together with 0, form the set of whole numbers.
Thus, 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, ........... are all whole numbers.
3
4 QUANTITATIVE APTITUDE

3. Integers: All counting numbers, zero and negatives of counting numbers, form the set of integers.
Thus, ..........., – 3, – 2, – 1, 0, 1, 2, 3, ........... are all integers.
Set of positive integers = {1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, ...........}
Set of negative integers = { – 1, – 2, – 3, – 4, – 5, – 6, ...........}
Set of all non-negative integers = {0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, ...........}
4. Even Numbers: A counting number divisible by 2 is called an even number.
Thus, 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, ........... etc. are all even numbers.
5. Odd Numbers: A counting number not divisible by 2 is called an odd number.
Thus, 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, ........... etc. are all odd numbers.
6. Prime Numbers: A counting number is called a prime number if it has exactly two factors, namely itself and 1.
Ex. All prime numbers less than 100 are:
2, 3, 5, 7, 11, 13, 17, 19, 23, 29, 31, 37, 41, 43, 47, 53, 59, 61, 67, 71, 73, 79, 83, 89, 97
7. Composite Numbers: All counting numbers, which are not prime, are called composite numbers.
A composite number has more than 2 factors.
8. Perfect Numbers: A number, the sum of whose factors (except the number itself), is equal to the number, is called
a perfect number, e.g. 6, 28, 496
The factors of 6 are 1, 2, 3 and 6. And, 1 + 2 + 3 = 6.
The factors of 28 are 1, 2, 4, 7, 14 and 28. And, 1 + 2 + 4 + 7 + 14 = 28.
9. Co-primes (or Relative Primes): Two numbers whose H.C.F. is 1 are called co-prime numbers,
Ex. (2, 3), (8, 9) are pairs of co-primes.
10. Twin Primes: Two prime numbers whose difference is 2 are called twin-primes,
Ex. (3, 5), (5, 7), (11, 13) are pairs of twin-primes.
p
11. Rational Numbers: Numbers which can be expressed in the form , where p and q are integers and q ≠ 0, are
q
called rational numbers.
1 –8 2
Ex. , , 0, 6, 5 etc.
8 11 3
12. Irrational Numbers: Numbers which when expressed in decimal would be in non-terminating and non-repeating
form, are called irrational numbers.
Ex. 2 , 3 , 5 , 7 , π, e , 0.231764735......
IV. Important Facts:
1. All natural numbers are whole numbers.
2. All whole numbers are not natural numbers.
0 is a whole number which is not a natural number.
3. Even number + Even number = Even number
Odd number + Odd number = Even number
Even number + Odd number = Odd number
Even number – Even number = Even number
Odd number – Odd number = Even number
Even number – Odd number = Odd number
Odd number – Even number = Odd number
Even number × Even number = Even number
Odd number × Odd number = Odd number
Even number × Odd number = Even number
4. The smallest prime number is 2.
5. The only even prime number is 2.
6. The first odd prime number is 3.
7. 1 is a unique number – neither prime nor composite.
8. The least composite number is 4.
9. The least odd composite number is 9.
10. Test for a Number to be Prime:
Let p be a given number and let n be the smallest counting number such that n2 ≥ p.
Now, test whether p is divisible by any of the prime numbers less than or equal to n. If yes, then p is not
prime otherwise, p is prime.
NUMBER SYSTEM 5

Ex. Test, which of the following are prime numbers?

(i) 137 (ii) 173 (iii) 319 (iv) 437 (v) 811
Sol. (i) We know that (12)2 > 137.
Prime numbers less than 12 are 2, 3, 5, 7, 11.
Clearly, none of them divides 137.
∴ 137 is a prime number.
(ii) We know that (14)2 > 173.
Prime numbers less than 14 are 2, 3, 5, 7, 11, 13.
Clearly, none of them divides 173.
∴ 173 is a prime number.
(iii) We know that (18)2 > 319.
Prime numbers less than 18 are 2, 3, 5, 7, 11, 13, 17.
Out of these prime numbers, 11 divides 319 completely.
∴ 319 is not a prime number.
(iv) We know that (21)2 > 437.
Prime numbers less than 21 are 2, 3, 5, 7, 11, 13, 17, 19.
Clearly, 437 is divisible by 19.
∴ 437 is not a prime number.
(v) We know that (30)2 > 811.
Prime numbers less than 30 are 2, 3, 5, 7, 11, 13, 17, 19, 23, 29.
Clearly, none of these numbers divides 811.
∴ 811 is a prime number.
V. Important Formulae:
(i) (a + b)2 = a2 + b2 + 2ab (ii) (a – b)2 = a2 + b2 – 2ab
(iii) 2 2 2
(a + b) + (a – b) = 2(a + b ) 2 (iv) (a + b)2 – (a – b)2 = 4ab
(v) 3 3 3
(a + b) = a + b + 3ab (a + b) (vi) (a – b)3 = a3 – b3 – 3ab (a – b)
(vii) 2 2
a – b = (a + b) (a – b) (viii) (a + b + c)2 = a2 + b2 + c2 + 2(ab + bc +  ca)
(ix) a3 + b3 = (a + b) (a2 + b2 – ab) (x) a3 – b3 = (a – b) (a2 + b2 + ab)
(xi) 3 3 3 2 2 2
a + b + c – 3abc = (a + b + c) (a + b + c – ab – bc – ca)
(xii) If a + b + c = 0, then a3 + b3 + c3 = 3abc

TESTS OF DIVISIBILITY
1. Divisibility By 2:
A number is divisible by 2 if its unit digit is any of 0, 2, 4, 6, 8.
Ex. 58694 is divisible by 2, while 86945 is not divisible by 2.
2. Divisibility By 3:
A number is divisible by 3 only when the sum of its digits is divisible by 3.
Ex. (i) In the number 695421, the sum of digits = 27, which is divisible by 3.
∴ 695421 is divisible by 3.
(ii) In the number 948653, the sum of digits = 35, which is not divisible by  3.
∴ 948653 is not divisible by 3.
3. Divisibility By 9:
A number is divisible by 9 only when the sum of its digits is divisible by 9.
Ex. (i) In the number 246591, the sum of digits = 27, which is divisible by 9.
∴ 246591 is divisible by 9.
(ii) In the number 734519, the sum of digits = 29, which is not divisible by  9.
∴ 734519 is not divisible by 9.
4. Divisibility By 4:
A number is divisible by 4 if the number formed by its last two digits is divisible by 4.
Ex. (i) 6879376 is divisible by 4, since 76 is divisible by 4.
(ii) 496138 is not divisible by 4, since 38 is not divisible by 4.
5. Divisibility By 8:
A number is divisible by 8 if the number formed by its last three digits is divisible by 8.
6 QUANTITATIVE APTITUDE

Ex. (i) In the number 16789352, the number formed by last 3 digits, namely 352 is divisible by 8.
∴ 16789352 is divisible by 8.
(ii) In the number 576484, the number formed by last 3 digits, namely 484 is not divisible by 8.
∴ 576484 is not divisible by 8.
6. Divisibility By 10:
A number is divisible by 10 only when its unit digit is 0.
Ex. (i) 7849320 is divisible by 10, since its unit digit is 0.
(ii) 678405 is not divisible by 10, since its unit digit is not 0.
7. Divisibility By 5:
A number is divisible by 5 only when its unit digit is 0 or 5.
Ex. (i) Each of the numbers 76895 and 68790 is divisible by 5.
8. Divisibility By 11:
A number is divisible by 11 if the difference between the sum of its digits at odd places
and the sum of its digits at even places is either 0 or a number divisible by 11.
Ex. (i) Consider the number 29435417.
(Sum of its digits at odd places) – (Sum of its digits at even places)
= (7 + 4 + 3 + 9) – (1 + 5 + 4 + 2) = (23 – 12) = 11, which is divisible by   11.
∴ 29435417 is divisible by 11.
(ii) Consider the number 57463822.
(Sum of its digits at odd places) – (Sum of its digits at even places)
= (2 + 8 + 6 + 7) – (2 + 3 + 4 + 5) = (23 – 14) = 9, which is not divisible by  11.
∴ 57463822 is not divisible by 11.
9. Divisibility By 25:
A number is divisible by 25 if the number formed by its last two digits is either 00 or divisible by 25.
Ex. (i) In the number 63875, the number formed by last 2 digits, namely 75 is divisible by 25.
∴ 63875 is divisible by 25.
(ii) In the number 96445, the number formed by last 2 digits, namely 45 is not divisible by 25.
∴ 96445 is not divisible by 25.
10. Divisibility By 7 or 13:
Divide the number into groups of 3 digits (starting from right) and find the difference
between the sum of the numbers in odd and even places. If the difference is 0 or divisible
by 7 or 13 (as the case may be), it is divisible by 7 or 13.
Ex. (i) 4537792 → 4 / 537 / 792
(792 + 4) – 537 = 259, which is divisible by 7 but not by 13.
∴ 4537792 is divisible by 7 and not by 13.
(ii) 579488 → 579 / 488
579 – 488 = 91, which is divisible by both 7 and 13.
∴ 579488 is divisible by both 7 and 13.
11. Divisibility By 16:
A number is divisible by 16, if the number formed by its last 4 digits is divisible by 16.
Ex. (i) In the number 463776, the number formed by last 4 digits, namely 3776, is divisible by 16.
∴ 463776 is divisible by 16.
(ii) In the number 895684, the number formed by last 4 digits, namely 5684, is not divisible by 16.
∴ 895684 is not divisible by 16.
12. Divisibility By 6: A number is divisible by 6, if it is divisible by both 2 and 3.
13. Divisibility By 12: A number is divisible by 12, if it is divisible by both 3 and 4.
14. Divisibility By 15: A number is divisible by 15, if it is divisible by both 3 and 5.
15. Divisibility By 18: A number is divisible by 18, if it is divisible by both 2 and 9.
16. Divisibility By 14: A number is divisible by 14, if it is divisible by both 2 and 7.
17. Divisibility By 24: A given number is divisible by 24, if it is divisible by both 3 and  8.
18. Divisibility By 40: A given number is divisible by 40, if it is divisible by both 5 and  8.
19. Divisibility By 80: A given number is divisible by 80, if it is divisible by both 5 and  16.
NUMBER SYSTEM 7

Note: If a number is divisible by p as well as q, where p and q are co-primes, then the given number is divisible
by pq.
If p and q are not co-primes, then the given number need not be divisible by pq, even when it is divisible by both
p and q.
Ex. 36 is divisible by both 4 and 6, but it is not divisible by (4 × 6) = 24, since 4 and 6 are not co-primes.
VI. Factorial of a Number
Let n be a positive integer.
Then, the continued product of first n natural numbers is called factorial n, denoted by n ! or n .
Thus, n ! = n (n – 1) (n – 2) ........... 3.2.1
Ex. 5 ! = 5 × 4 × 3 × 2 × 1 = 120.
Note: 0 ! = 1
VII. Modulus of a Number
 x , when x ≥ 0
|x| = 
 – x , when x < 0

Ex.|– 5| = 5, |4| = 4, |– 1| = 1, etc.
VIII. Greatest Integral Value
The greatest integral value of an integer x, denoted by [x], is defined as the greatest integer not exceeding x.
 11   3 
Ex. [1.35] = 1,   =  2  = 2, etc.
 4   4
IX. Multiplication BY Short cut Methods
1. Multiplication By Distributive Law:
(i) a × (b + c) = a × b + a × c (ii) a × (b – c) = a × b – a × c
Ex. (i) 567958 × 99999 = 567958 × (100000 – 1) = 567958 × 100000 – 567958 × 1
= (56795800000) – 567958) = 56795232042.
(ii) 978 × 184 + 978 × 816 = 978 × (184 + 816) = 978 × 1000 = 978000.
2. Multiplication of a Number By 5n: Put n zeros to the right of the multiplicand and divide the number so
formed by 2n.
9754360000
Ex. 975436 × 625 = 975436 × 54 = = 609647500.
16
X. Division Algorithm or Euclidean Algorithm
If we divide a given number by another number, then:
Dividend = (Divisor × Quotient) + Remainder
Important Facts:
1. (i) (xn – an) is divisible by (x – a) for all values of n.
(ii) (xn – an) is divisible by (x + a) for all even values of n.
(iii) (xn + an) is divisible by (x + a) for all odd values of n.
2. To find the highest power of a prime number p in n !
n  n   n  n r r +1
Highest power of p in n! =   +  2  +  3  + ...... +  r  , where p ≤ n < p
p p  p  p 

SOLVED EXAMPLES
Ex. 1. Simplify: (i) 8888 + 888 + 88 + 8
(ii) 715632 – 631104 – 9874 – 999 (LIC, ADO, 2007)
Sol. (i) 8 8 8 8 (ii) Given exp = 715632 – (631104 + 9874 + 99)
888 = 715632 – 641077 = 74555.
88 631104 715632
+ 8 9874 – 641077
9 8 7 2 + 99 74555
641077
8 QUANTITATIVE APTITUDE

Ex. 2. What value will replace the question mark in each of the following questions?
(i)? – 1936248 = 1635773 (ii) 9587 –? = 7429 – 4358
Sol. (i) Let x – 1936248 = 1635773. Then, x = 1635773 + 1936248 = 3572021.
(ii) Let 9587 – x = 7429 – 4358.
Then, 9587 – x = 3071 ⇒ x = 9587 – 3071 = 6516.
1 2
Ex. 3. What could be the maximum value of Q in the following equation?
5 P 9
5P9 + 3R7 + 2Q8 = 1114 3 R 7
Sol. We may analyse the given equation as shown: 2 Q 8
Clearly, 2 + P + R + Q = 11. 1 1 1 4
So, the maximum value of Q can be (11 – 2), i.e. 9 (when P = 0, R = 0).
Ex. 4. Simplify: (i) 5793405 × 9999 (ii) 839478 × 625
Sol. (i) 5793405 × 9999 = 5793405 × (10000 – 1) = 57934050000 – 5793405 = 57928256595.
4
 10  839478 × 10 4 8394780000
(ii) 839478 × 625 = 839478 × 54 = 839478 ×   = = = 524673750.
 2  24 16
Ex. 5. Evaluate: (i) 986 × 137 + 986 × 863 (ii) 983 × 207 – 983 × 107
Sol. (i) 986 × 137 + 986 × 863 = 986 × (137 + 863) = 986 × 1000 = 986000.
(ii) 983 × 207 – 983 × 107 = 983 × (207 – 107) = 983 × 100 = 98300.
Ex. 6. Simplify: (i) 1605 × 1605 (ii) 1398 × 1398
Sol. (i) 1605 × 1605 = (1605)2 = (1600 + 5)2 = (1600)2 + 52 + 2 × 1600 × 5
= 2560000 + 25 + 16000 = 2576025.
(ii) 1398 × 1398 = (1398)2 = (1400 – 2)2 = (1400)2 + 22 – 2 × 1400 × 2
= 1960000 + 4 – 5600 = 1954404.
Ex. 7. Evaluate: (i) 475 × 475 + 125 × 125 (ii) 796 × 796 – 204 × 204
1 2 2
Sol. (i) We have (a2 + b2) = [( a + b) + ( a – b) ]
2
1 1
\ (475)2 + (125)2 = . [(475 + 125)2 + (475 – 125)2 ] = . [(600)2 + (350)2 ]
2 2
1 1
= [360000 + 122500] = × 482500 = 241250.
2 2
(ii) 796 × 796 – 204 × 204 = (796)2 – (204)2 = (796 + 204) (796 – 204) [ (a – b)2 = (a + b)(a – b)]
= (1000 × 592) = 592000.
Ex. 8. Simplify: (i) (387 × 387 + 113 × 113 + 2 × 387 × 113)
(ii) (87 × 87 + 61 × 61 – 2 × 87 × 61)
Sol. (i) Given Exp. = (387)2 + (113)2 + 2 × 387 × 113 = (a2 + b2 + 2ab), where a = 387 and b = 113
= (a + b)2 = (387 + 113)2 = (500)2 = 250000.
(ii) Given Exp. = (87)2 + (61)2 – 2 × 87 × 61 = (a2 + b2 – 2ab), where a = 87 and b = 61
= (a – b)2 = (87 – 61)2 = (26)2 = (20 + 6)2 = (20)2 + 62 + 2 × 20 × 6 = (400 + 36 + 240)
= (436 + 240) = 676.
Ex. 9. Find the square root of 4a2 + b2 + c2 + 4ab – 2bc – 4ac. (Campus Recruitment, 2010)

Sol. 4 a 2 + b 2 + c 2 + 4 ab – 2bc – 4 ac = (2 a)2 + b 2 + (– c)2 + 2 × 2 a × b + 2 × b × (– c) + 2 × (2 a) × (– c)

= (2 a + b – c )2 = (2 a + b – c ).

Ex. 10. A is counting the numbers from 1 to 31 and B from 31 to 1. A is counting the odd numbers only. The speed
of both is the same. What will be the number which will be pronounced by A and B together?
(Campus Recruitment, 2010)
Sol. The numbers pronounced by A and B in order are:
A 1 3 5 7 9 11 13 15 17 19 21 23 25 27 29 31
B 31 30 29 28 27 26 25 24 23 22 21 20 19 18 17 16
Clearly both A and B pronounce the number 21 together.
NUMBER SYSTEM 9

789 × 789 × 789 + 211 × 211 × 211 658 × 658 × 658 – 328 × 328 × 328
Ex. 11. Simplify: (i) (ii)
789 × 789 – 789 × 211 + 211 × 211 658 × 658 + 658 × 328 + 328 × 328
(789)3 + (211)3 a3 + b 3
Sol. (i) Given exp. = = , (where a = 789 and b = 211)
(789)2 – (789 × 211) + (211)2 a2 – ab + b 2
= (a + b) = (789 + 211) = 1000.
(658)3 – (328)3 a3 – b 3
(ii) Given exp. = = ,  (where a = 658 and b = 328)
(658)2 + (658 × 328) + (328)2 a 2 + ab + b 2
= (a – b) = (658 – 328) = 330.
(893 + 786)2 – (893 – 786)2
Ex. 12. Simplify: .
(893 × 786)

( a + b )2 – ( a – b ) 2 4 ab
Sol. Given exp. = (where a = 893, b = 786) = = 4.
ab ab
Ex. 13. Which of the following are prime numbers?
(i) 241 (ii) 337 (iii) 391 (iv) 571
Sol. (i) Clearly, 16 > 241.
Prime numbers less than 16 are 2, 3, 5, 7, 11, 13.
241 is not divisible by any of them.
\ 241 is a prime number.
(ii) Clearly, 19 > 337 . Prime numbers less than 19 are 2, 3, 5, 7, 11, 13, 17.
337 is not divisible by any one of them.
\ 337 is a prime number.
(iii) Clearly, 20 > 391. Prime numbers less than 20 are 2, 3, 5, 7, 11, 13, 17, 19.
We find that 391 is divisible by 17.
\ 391 is not a prime number.
(iv) Clearly, 24 > 571. Prime numbers less than 24 are 2, 3, 5, 7, 11, 13, 17, 19, 23.
571 is not divisible by any one of them.
\ 571 is a prime number.
Ex. 14. If D stands for the operation 'adding first number to twice the second number', then find the value of
(1 D 2) D 3.
Sol. (1 D 2) D 3 = (1 + 2 × 2) D 3 = 5 D 3 = 5 + 2 × 3 = 5 + 6 = 11.
Ex. 15. Given that 12 + 22 + 32 + ..... + 102 = 385, then find the value of 22 + 42 + 62 + ...... + 202.
Sol. 22 + 42 + 62 + .... + 202 = 22 (12 + 22 + 32 + .... + 102) = 22 × 385 = 4 × 385 = 1540.
Ex.16. Which of the following numbers is divisible by 3?
(i) 541326 (ii) 5967013
Sol. (i) Sum of digits in 541326 = (5 + 4 + 1 + 3 + 2 + 6) = 21, which is divisible by 3.
Hence, 541326 is divisible by 3.
(ii) Sum of digits in 5967013 = (5 + 9 + 6 + 7 + 0 + 1 + 3) = 31, which is not divisible by 3.
Hence, 5967013 is not divisible by 3.
Ex. 17. What least value must be assigned to * so that the number 197*5462 is divisible by 9?
Sol. Let the missing digit be x.
Sum of digits = (1 + 9 + 7 + x + 5 + 4 + 6 + 2) = (34 + x).
For (34 + x) to be divisible by 9, x must be replaced by 2.
Hence, the digit in place of * must be 2.
Ex. 18. Which of the following numbers is divisible by 4?
(i) 67920594 (ii) 618703572
Sol. (i) The number formed by the last two digits in the given number is 94, which is not divisible by 4.
Hence, 67920594 is not divisible by 4.
(ii) The number formed by the last two digits in the given number is 72, which is divisible by 4.
Hence, 618703572 is divisible by 4.
10 QUANTITATIVE APTITUDE

Ex. 19. Which digits should come in place of * and $ if the number 62684*$ is divisible by both 8 and 5?
Sol. Since the given number is divisible by 5, so 0 or 5 must come in place of $. But, a number ending with 5 is
never divisible by 8. So, 0 will replace $.
Now, the number formed by the last three digits is 4*0, which becomes divisible by 8, if * is replaced by 4.
Hence, digits in place of * and $ are 4 and 0 respectively.
Ex. 20. Show that 4832718 is divisible by 11.
Sol. (Sum of digits at odd places) – (Sum of digits at even places) = (8 + 7 + 3 + 4) – (1 + 2 + 8) = 11, which is
divisible by 11.
Hence, 4832718 is divisible by 11.
Ex. 21. Is 52563744 divisible by 24?
Sol. 24 = 3 × 8, where 3 and 8 are co-primes.
The sum of the digits in the given number is 36, which is divisible by 3. So, the given number is divisible
by 3.
The number formed by the last 3 digits of the given number is 744, which is divisible by 8. So, the given
number is divisible by 8. Thus, the given number is divisible by both 3 and 8, where 3 and 8 are co-primes.
So, it is divisible by 3 × 8, i.e. 24.
Ex. 22. What are the values of M and N respectively if M39048458N is divisible by both 8 and 11, where M and N
are single-digit integers?
Sol. Since the given number is divisible by 8, it is obvious that the number formed  by the last three digits, i.e.
58N is divisible by 8, which is possible only when N =  4.
Now, (sum of digits at even places) – (sum of digits at odd places)
= (8 + 4 + 4 + 9 + M) – (4 + 5 + 8 + 0 + 3)
= (25 + M) – 20 = M + 5, which must be divisible by 11.
So, M = 6.
Hence, M = 6, N = 4.
Ex. 23. Find the number of digits in the smallest number which is made up of digits 1 and 0 only and is divisible
by 225.
Sol. 225 = 9 × 25, where 9 and 25 are co-primes.
Clearly, a number is divisible by 225 if it is divisible by both 9 and 25.
Now, a number is divisible by 9 if the sum of its digits is divisible by 9 and a number is divisible by 25 if
the number formed by the last two digits is divisible by 25.
\ The smallest number which is made up of digits 1 and 0 and divisible by 225 = 11111111100.
Hence, number of digits = 11.
Ex. 24. If the number 3422213pq is divisible by 99, find the missing digits p and q.
Sol. 99 = 9 × 11, where 9 and 11 are co-primes.
Clearly, a number is divisible by 99 if it is divisible by both 9 and 11.
Since the number is divisible by 9, we have:
(3 + 4 + 2 + 2 + 2 + 1 + 3 + p + q) = a multiple of 9
⇒ 17 + (p + q) = 18 or 27
⇒p+q=1 ...(i) or p + q = 10 ...(ii)
Since the number is divisible by 11, we have:
(q + 3 + 2 + 2 + 3) – (p + 1 + 2 + 4) = 0 or a multiple of 11
⇒ (10 + q) – (7 + p) = 0 or 11
⇒ 3 + (q – p) = 0 or 11
⇒ q – p = – 3 or q – p = 8
⇒p–q=3 ...(iii) or q – p = 8 ...(iv)
Clearly, if (i) holds, then neither (iii) nor (iv) holds. So, (i) does not hold.
Also, solving (ii) and (iii) together, we get: p = 6.5, which is not possible.
Solving (ii) and (iv) together, we get: p = 1, q = 9.
Ex. 25. x is a positive integer such that x2 + 12 is exactly divisible by x. Find all the possible values of x.
x 2 + 12 x 2 12 12
Sol. = + =x+ .
x x x x
Clearly, 12 must be completely divisible by x.
So, the possible values of x are 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 and 12.
NUMBER SYSTEM 11

Ex. 26. Find the smallest number to be added to 1000 so that 45 divides the sum exactly.
Sol. On dividing 1000 by 45, we get 10 as remainder.
\ Number to be added = (45 – 10) = 35.
Ex. 27. What least number must be subtracted from 2000 to get a number exactly divisible by 17?
Sol. On dividing 2000 by 17, we get 11 as remainder.
\ Required number to be subtracted = 11.
Ex. 28. Find the number which is nearest to 3105 and is exactly divisible by 21.
Sol. On dividing 3105 by 21, we get 18 as remainder.
\ Number to be added to 3105 = (21 – 18) = 3.
Hence, required number = 3105 + 3 = 3108.
Ex. 29. Find the smallest number of five digits which is exactly divisible by 476.
Sol. Smallest number of 5 digits = 10000.
On dividing 10000 by 476, we get 4 as remainder.
\ Number to be added = (476 – 4) = 472.
Hence, required number = 10472.
Ex. 30. Find the greatest number of five digits which is exactly divisible by 47.
42735
Sol. Greatest number of 5 digits is 99999. 13 555555
On dividing 99999 by 47, we get 30 as remainder. 52
3 5
\ Required number = (99999 – 30) = 99969. 2 6
Ex. 31. When a certain number is multiplied by 13, the product consists entirely of fives. Find the 9 5
9 1
smallest such number. 4 5
Sol. Clearly, we keep on dividing 55555....... by 13 till we get 0 as remainder. 3 9
6 5
\ Required number = 42735. 6 5
Ex. 32. When a certain number is multiplied by 18, the product consists entirely of 2's. What is the ×
minimum number of 2's in the product?
Sol. We keep on dividing 22222......... by 18 till we get 0 as remainder. 12345679
Clearly, number of 2's in the product = 9. 18 222222222
18
Ex. 33. Find the smallest number which when multiplied by 9 gives the product 4 2
as 1 followed by a certain number of 7s only. 3 6
Sol. The least number having 1 followed by 7s, which is divisible by 9, is 5 4
62

177777, as 1 + 7 + 7 + 7 + 7 + 7 = 36 (which is divisible by 9). 8 2

\ Required number = 177777 ÷ 9 = 19753. 7 2
1 0 2
Ex. 34. What is the unit's digit in the product? 9 0
81 × 82 × 83 × ........... 89? 122
Sol. Required unit's digit = Unit's digit in the product 1 × 2 × 3 ×.......× 9 = 0 1 0 8
[ 2 × 5 = 10] 142
153 72 126
Ex. 35. Find the unit's digit in the product (2467) × (341) . 162
Sol. Clearly, unit's digit in the given product = unit's digit in 7153 × 172. 162
×
Now, 74 gives unit digit 1.
\ 7152 gives unit digit 1.
\ 7153 gives unit digit (1 × 7) = 7. Also, 172 gives unit digit 1.
Hence, unit digit in the product = (7 × 1) = 7.
Ex. 36. Find the unit's digit in (264)102 + (264)103.
Sol. Required unit's digit = unit's digit in (4)102 + (4)103.
Now, 42 gives unit digit 6.
\ (4)102 gives unit digit 6.

(4)103 gives unit digit of the product (6 × 4) i.e., 4.
Hence, unit’s digit in (264)102 + (264)103 = unit's digit in (6 + 4) = 0.
Ex. 37. Find the total number of prime factors in the expression (4)11 × (7)5 × (11)2.
Sol. (4)11 × (7)5 × (11)2 = (2 × 2)11 × (7)5 × (11)2 = 211 × 211 × 75 × 112 = 222 × 75 × 112.
\ Total number of prime factors = (22 + 5 + 2) = 29.

12 QUANTITATIVE APTITUDE

Ex. 38. What is the number of zeros at the end of the product of the numbers from 1 to 100?
Sol. Let N = 1 × 2 × 3 × ......... × 100.
Clearly, only the multiples of 2 and 5 yield zeros on multiplication.
In the given product, the highest power of 5 is much less than that compared to 2. So, we shall find the
highest power of 5 in N.
 100   100 
Highest power of 5 in N =  + = 20 + 4 = 24.
 5   5 2 
Hence, required number of zeros = 24.
Ex. 39. What is the number of zeros at the end of the product 55 × 1010 × 1515 × ........ × 125125?
Sol. Clearly, the highest power of 2 is less than that of 5 in N.
So, the highest power of 2 in N shall give us the number of zeros at the end of  N.
Highest power of 2 = Number of multiples of 2 + Number of multiples of 4 (i.e. 22) +
Number of multiples of 8 (i.e. 2­3) + Number of multiples of 16 (i.e. 24)
= [(10 + 20 + 30 +....... + 120) + (20 + 40 + 60 +........ + 120) + (40 + 80 + 120) + 80]
= (780 + 420 + 240 + 80) = 1520.
Hence, required number of zeros = 1520.
Ex. 40. On dividing 15968 by a certain number, the quotient is 89 and the remainder is 37. Find the divisor.
Dividend – Remainder 15968 – 37
Sol. Divisor = = = 179.
Quotient 89
Ex. 41. A number when divided by 114, leaves remainder 21. If the same number is divided by 19, find the
remainder. (S.S.C., 2010)
Sol. On dividing the given number by 114, let k be the quotient and 21 the remainder.
Then, number = 114 k + 21 = 19 × 6k + 19 + 2 = 19 (6k + 1) + 2.
\ The given number when divided by 19 gives remainder = 2.
Ex. 42. A number being successively divided by 3, 5 and 8 leaves remainders 1, 4 and 7 respectively. Find the respective
remainders if the order of divisors be reversed.
Sol. 3 x
5 y – 1 \ z = (8 × 1 + 7) = 15 ; y = (5 z + 4) = (5 × 15 + 4) = 79;
8 z – 4 x = (3y + 1) = (3 × 79 + 1) = 238.
1 – 7
Now, 8 238
5 29 – 6
3 5–4
1 – 2
\ Respective remainders are 6, 4, 2.
Ex. 43. Three boys A, B, C were asked to divide a certain number by 1001 by the method of factors. They took the
factors in the orders 13, 11, 7; 7, 11, 13 and 11, 7, 13 respectively. If the first boy obtained 3, 2, 1 as successive
remainders, then find the successive remainders obtained by the other two boys B and C.
Sol. 13 x
11 y – 3 \ z = 7 × 1 + 1 = 8,
7 z–2 y = 11 z + 2 = 11 × 8 + 2 = 90;
1 – 1 x = 13 y + 3 = 13 × 90 + 3 = 1173.
Now, 7 1173
11   167 – 4 So, B obtained 4, 2 and 2 as successive remainders.
13   15 – 2
1–2
And, 11 1173
7 106 – 7 C obtained 7, 1 and 2 as successive remainders.
13   15 – 1
1–2
NUMBER SYSTEM 13

Ex. 44. In a division sum, the divisor is ten times the quotient and five times the remainder. If the remainder is 46,
determine the dividend.
230
Sol. Remainder = 46 ; Divisor = 5 × 46 = 230 ; Quotient = = 23.
10
\ Dividend = Divisor × Quotient + Remainder = 230 × 23 + 46 = 5336.
Ex. 45. If three times the larger of the two numbers is divided by the smaller one, we get 4 as quotient and 3 as
remainder. Also, if seven times the smaller number is divided by the larger one, we get 5 as quotient and 1
as remainder. Find the numbers.
Sol. Let the larger number be x and the smaller number be y.
Then, 3x = 4y + 3 ⇒ 3x – 4y = 3 ...(i)
And, 7y = 5x + 1 ⇒ – 5x + 7y = 1 ...(ii)
Multiplying (i) by 5 and (ii) by 3, we get:
15x – 20y = 15 ...(iii) and – 15x + 21y = 3 ...(iv)
Adding (iii) and (iv), we get: y = 18.
Putting y = 18 in (i), we get: x = 25.
Hence, the numbers are 25 and 18.
Ex. 46. A number when divided by 6 leaves remainder 3. When the square of the same number is divided by 6, find
the remainder.
Sol. On dividing the given number by 6, let k be the quotient and 3 the remainder.
Then, number = 6k + 3.
Square of the number = (6k + 3)2 = 36k2 + 9 + 36k = 36k2 + 36k + 6 + 3
= 6 (6k2 + 6k + 1) + 3, which gives a remainder 3 when divided by 6.
Ex. 47. Find the remainder when 96 + 7 is divided by 8.
Sol. (xn – an) is divisible by (x – a) for all values of n.
So, (96 – 1) is divisible by (9 – 1), i.e. 8 ⇒ (96 – 1) + 8 is divisible by 8 ⇒ (96 + 7) is divisible by 8.
Hence, required remainder = 0.
Ex. 48. Find the remainder when (397)3589 + 5 is divided by 398.
Sol. (xn + an) is divisible by (x + a) for all odd values of n.
So, [(397)3589 + 1] is divisible by (397 + 1), i.e. 398
⇒ [{(397)3589 + 1} + 4] gives remainder 4 when divided by 398
⇒ [(397)3589 + 5] gives remainder 4 when divided by 398.
Ex. 49. If 7126 is divided by 48, find the remainder.
Sol. 7126 = (72)63 = (49)63.
Now, since (xn – an) is divisible by (x – a) for all values of n,
so [(49)63 – 1] or (7126 – 1) is divisible by (49 – 1) i.e. 48.
\ Remainder obtained when (7)126 is divided by 48 = 1.
Ex. 50. Find the remainder when (257166 – 243166) is divided by 500.
Sol. (xn – an) is divisible by (x + a) for all even values of n.
\ (257166 – 243166) is divisible by (257 + 243), i.e. 500.
Hence, required remainder = 0.
Ex. 51. Find a common factor of (127127 + 97127) and (12797 + 9797).
Sol. (xn + an) is divisible by (x + a) for all odd values of n.
\ (127127 + 97127) as well as (12797 + 9797) is divisible by (127 + 97), i.e. 224.
Hence, required common factor = 224.
Ex. 52. A 99–digit number is formed by writing the first 59 natural numbers one after the other as:
1234567891011121314...........5859
Find the remainder obtained when the above number is divided by 16.
Sol. The required remainder is the same as that obtained on dividing the number formed by the last four digits
i.e. 5859 by 16, which is 3.