FREE STUDY MATERIAL PGPS CSAT

UPSC CSAT
Number System
Complete Question Bank · 2015–2025
143 Questions · 7 Subtopics · Full Concept Notes Included

Subtopic Coverage

# Subtopic Questions

1 Digit Problems 16
2 Divisibility Rules 17
3 Unit Digit & Cyclicity 6
4 Remainders 14
5 LCM & HCF 12
6 Factors & Multiples 13
7 Miscellaneous 65

Total 143

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Compiled by PGPS CSAT · Based on Official UPSC CSAT Papers (Set A) 2015–2025 · Free for Educational Use
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How to Use This PDF

This PDF contains all 143 Number System questions from UPSC CSAT 2015–2025, organised into 7
subtopics. Recommended approach:

1. Read Concept Notes first Each subtopic starts with a full theory section: formulas, tricks, rules
and worked examples. Everything you need is inside.
2. Attempt questions on your own Questions progress from simpler to more complex. Do not skip
ahead.
3. Track year tags The [20XX – Q#] tag tells you which year each question came from. Recent years
(2023–2025) carry the most weight.
4. Revisit concept notes after getting a question wrong.
5. For video solutions and daily practice, join us on YouTube and Telegram (links on cover).

Note: All questions are from official UPSC CSAT Set A papers (2015–2025).

Contents

1. Digit Problems 3

2. Divisibility Rules 6

3. Unit Digit & Cyclicity 10

4. Remainders 12

5. LCM & HCF 15

6. Factors & Multiples 18

7. Miscellaneous 21

Summary & Year-wise Analysis 30

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1. Digit Problems 16 Questions · 2015–2025

Concept Notes Digit Problems

A. Two-Digit Number Basics

Let the tens digit be a and units digit be b. Then:

Original = 10a + b Reversed = 10b + a

Original − Reversed = 9( a − b) (always a multiple of 9)
Original + Reversed = 11( a + b) (always a multiple of 11)

B. Digit Sum Property

For any integer N: N − (sum of digits of N ) is always divisible by 9.
√
Example: 253 − (2 + 5 + 3) = 253 − 10 = 243 = 9 × 27

C. ABCABC Type Numbers

ABCABC = ABC × 1001 = ABC × 7 × 11 × 13
⇒ ABCABC is always divisible by 7, 11 and 13.

D. Digits in Arithmetic Progression

If three digits are ( a − d), a, ( a + d): their sum = 3a, so number is divisible by 3.
The middle digit is always the average of the other two.

E. Setting up Digit Equations (Cryptarithmetic)

Write each digit as a variable. Represent each condition as an equation and solve.
Useful conditions: sum of digits, product of digits, reversed number equals original ± some
value.

F. Counting Digits to Write 1 to N

1–9 (1-digit): 9 × 1 = 9 digits

10–99 (2-digit): 90 × 2 = 180 digits
100–999 (3-digit): 900 × 3 = 2700 digits
For a book with N pages (100 ≤ N ≤ 999): Total digits = 9 + 180 + ( N − 99) × 3

G. Sum of All Digits from 1 to 99

Each digit 0–9 appears exactly 20 times in units place and 20 times in tens place.
Total = 20 × (0 + 1 + · · · + 9) × 2 = 20 × 45 × 2 = 1800 (includes 0s in tens place).
For digits of integers 10 to 100: compute directly (tens digits 1–9 appear 10 times each, units
digits 0–9 appear 9 times each, plus 1 and 0 for 100).

F UPSC Tip

First classify: reversal, digit sum, or cryptarithmetic? Each has its own formula. For reversal
questions, always write “Original − Reversed = 9( a − b)” and use the given difference to find
( a − b ).

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[2021 – Q58] If the sum of the digits of a three-digit number is subtracted from that number, the
resulting number is always divisible by:
(A) 7 (B) 8
(C) 9 (D) 11

[2020 – Q58] For what value of n is the sum of digits in the number (10n + 1) equal to 2?
(A) For n = 0 only (B) For any whole number n
(C) For any positive integer n only (D) For any real number n

[2017 – Q79] There are certain 2-digit numbers. The difference between the number and the one
obtained on reversing it is always 27. How many such maximum 2-digit numbers are there?
(A) 3 (B) 4
(C) 5 (D) None of the above

[2018 – Q34] A number consists of three digits of which the middle one is zero and their sum is 4. If
the number formed by interchanging the first and last digits is greater than the number itself by 198,
then the difference between the first and last digits is:
(A) 1 (B) 2
(C) 3 (D) 4

[2019 – Q33] The ratio of a two-digit natural number to a number formed by reversing its digits is 4:7.
The number of such pairs is:
(A) 5 (B) 4
(C) 3 (D) 2

[2021 – Q76] The difference between a two-digit number and the number obtained by reversing its
digits is 36. What is the difference between the two digits of that number?
(A) 4 (B) 5
(C) 6 (D) Cannot be determined

[2021 – Q7] In a two-digit number, the tens digit is twice the units digit. If the digits are reversed, the
new number is 27 less than the original. What is the original number?
(A) 36 (B) 63
(C) 48 (D) 84

[2024 – Q35] A two-digit number is 4 times the sum of its digits. If 18 is added to the number, the
digits are reversed. What is the number?
(A) 24 (B) 36
(C) 48 (D) None of these

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[2022 – Q16] The digits of a three-digit number are in AP. If the number is subtracted from a three-digit
number having the same digits in reverse order, the result is 396. What is the number?
(A) 135 (B) 357
(C) 246 (D) Cannot be determined

[2018 – Q2] In the sum ⊗ + 1 ⊗ +2 ⊗ + ⊗ 3 + ⊗1 = 21⊗, the symbol ⊗ stands for:

(A) 4 (B) 5
(C) 6 (D) 8

[2023 – Q29] What is the sum of all digits which appear in all the integers from 10 to 100?
(A) 855 (B) 856
(C) 910 (D) 911

[2023 – Q28] Each digit of a 9-digit number is 1. It is multiplied by itself. What is the sum of the digits
of the resulting number?
(A) 64 (B) 80
(C) 81 (D) 100

[2023 – Q9] If ABC and DEF are 3-digit numbers with A, B, C, D, E, F all distinct non-zero digits and
ABC + DEF = 1111, then what is A + B + C + D + E + F?
(A) 28 (B) 29
(C) 30 (D) 31

[2024 – Q48] A three-digit number XYZ has X + Y + Z = 14 and X × Y × Z = 36. Digits are distinct
and X > Y > Z. What is the number XYZ?
(A) 941 (B) 923
(C) 932 (D) None of these

[2023 – Q16] A 3-digit number ABC multiplied by D gives 37DD, where A, B, C, D are different
non-zero digits. What is the value of A + B + C?
(A) 18 (B) 16
(C) 15 (D) Cannot be determined

[2015 – Q57] If ABC × DEED = ABCABC, where A, B, C, D, E are all different digits, what are the
values of D and E?
(A) D=2, E=0 (B) D=0, E=1
(C) D=1, E=0 (D) D=1, E=2

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2. Divisibility Rules 17 Questions · 2015–2025

Concept Notes Divisibility Rules

A. Quick Divisibility Tests

By 2: Last digit even (0, 2, 4, 6, 8)

By 3: Sum of all digits divisible by 3
By 4: Last 2 digits form number divisible by 4
By 5: Last digit is 0 or 5
By 6: Divisible by both 2 and 3
By 8: Last 3 digits divisible by 8
By 9: Sum of all digits divisible by 9
By 10: Last digit is 0
By 11: (Sum at odd positions) − (Sum at even positions) = 0 or
multiple of 11
By 25: Last 2 digits are 00, 25, 50, or 75

B. Key Algebraic Identities for Divisibility

• an − bn is always divisible by ( a − b)
• an − bn is divisible by ( a + b) when n is even
• an + bn is divisible by ( a + b) when n is odd
• Product of any k consecutive integers is divisible by k!

C. Counting Multiples (Inclusion-Exclusion)

 
N
Numbers from 1 to N divisible by both A and B:
LCM( A, B)
     
N N N
Numbers divisible by A or B: + −
A B LCM( A, B)

D. Common Remainder / Deficit Trick

If a number leaves remainders r1 , r2 , r3 , . . . when divided by d1 , d2 , d3 , . . . and the deficit
(di − ri ) is the same constant k for all:

Required number = LCM(d1 , d2 , d3 , . . .) − k

Example: Leaves remainders 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 when divided by 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. Deficit = 1 each time.

Answer = LCM(2, 3, 4, 5, 6) − 1 = 60 − 1 = 59.

E. Divisors from a Given Remainder

If N divided by d leaves remainder r, then d must be > r and ( N − r ) must be divisible by d.
So find all divisors of ( N − r ) that are greater than r.

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F UPSC Tip

For 5-digit numbers using digits 1, 2, 3, 4, 5: sum of digits = 15 (divisible by 3), so all such
numbers are divisible by 3. Also none can end in 5 without being divisible by 5. Therefore zero
such numbers can be prime.

[2019 – Q15] In a school, a student is a football player iff ID is divisible by 4, and a cricketer iff ID is
divisible by 6. IDs are 1 to 100. How many students play both?
(A) 4 (B) 8
(C) 6 (D) 12

[2020 – Q10] How many five-digit prime numbers can be obtained using all digits 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
without repetition?
(A) Zero (B) One
(C) Nine (D) Ten

[2020 – Q77] A digit n > 3 is divisible by 3 but not by 6. Which of the following is divisible by 4?
(A) 2n (B) 3n
(C) 2n + 4 (D) 3n + 1

[2021 – Q6] A number when divided by 5 leaves remainder 3. What is the remainder when the square
of the same number is divided by 5?
(A) 1 (B) 4
(C) 9 (D) 3

[2022 – Q6] Which one of the following is a prime number?

(A) 667 (B) 861
(C) 481 (D) 331

[2016 – Q62] If R and S are different integers both divisible by 5, which is not necessarily true?
(A) R − S divisible by 5 (B) R + S divisible by 10
(C) RS divisible by 25 (D) R2 + S2 divisible by 5

[2019 – Q75] An 8-digit number 4252746B leaves remainder 0 when divided by 3. How many values of
B are possible?
(A) 2 (B) 3
(C) 4 (D) 6

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[2020 – Q8] Let XYZ be a three-digit number where ( X + Y + Z ) is not a multiple of 3. Then ( XYZ +
YZX + ZXY ) is not divisible by:
(A) 3 (B) 9
(C) 37 (D) ( X + Y + Z )

[2021 – Q79] Which one of the following numbers is divisible by 11?

(A) 45678940 (B) 54857266
(C) 87524398 (D) 93455120

[2022 – Q58] A number N when divided by divisor D leaves remainder 7. When 2N is divided by D,
remainder is 9. What is the value of D?
(A) 5 (B) 13
(C) 14 (D) None of these

[2023 – Q17] For any X, Y, Z, the 6-digit number XYZXYZ is divisible by:
(A) 7 and 11 only (B) 11 and 13 only
(C) 7 and 13 only (D) 7, 11 and 13

[2023 – Q25] Let x be a positive integer such that 7x + 96 is divisible by x. How many values of x are
possible?
(A) 10 (B) 11
(C) 12 (D) Infinitely many

[2024 – Q15] Which one of the following will exactly divide (4915 − 1)?
(A) 8 (B) 16
(C) 24 (D) 48

[2024 – Q54] A number when divided by 3 gives rem 2, by 4 gives rem 3, by 5 gives rem 4. What is the
smallest such number?
(A) 59 (B) 119
(C) 179 (D) None of these

[2025 – Q25] How many integers between 1 and 1000 (both inclusive) are divisible by 2 or 5 but not by
both?
(A) 300 (B) 400
(C) 500 (D) 600

[2025 – Q80] How many numbers between 200 and 600 (both inclusive) are divisible by 4 and 6 but not
by 24?

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(A) 33 (B) 34
(C) 50 (D) None of these

[2023 – Q45] How many natural numbers give a remainder of 31 when 1186 is divided by them?
(A) 6 (B) 7
(C) 8 (D) 9

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3. Unit Digit & Cyclicity 6 Questions · 2015–2025

Concept Notes Unit Digit & Cyclicity

A. Cyclicity Table for Unit Digits of Powers

Unit digit of base Cycle of unit digits Period

0, 1, 5, 6 Fixed: always 0, 1, 5, 6 1
4 4, 6, 4, 6, . . . 2
9 9, 1, 9, 1, . . . 2
2 2, 4, 8, 6, 2, 4, 8, 6, . . . 4
3 3, 9, 7, 1, 3, 9, 7, 1, . . . 4
7 7, 9, 3, 1, 7, 9, 3, 1, . . . 4
8 8, 4, 2, 6, 8, 4, 2, 6, . . . 4

B. How to Find Unit Digit of an

1. Find unit digit u of a.

2. Find period c from the table above.
3. Find r = n mod c (remainder when n ÷ c).
4. If r = 0, take the last element of the cycle; else take r-th element.

C. Unit Digit of a Sum of Powers (e.g. 31 + 32 + · · · + 3100 )

Cycle of 3n : 3, 9, 7, 1 period 4, one cycle sums to 3 + 9 + 7 + 1 = 20 (unit digit 0).
31 to 3100 has 100 terms = 25 complete cycles ⇒ unit digit of total = 0.

D. Trailing Zeroes in a Product

Each trailing zero needs one factor of 2 and one factor of 5. Since 2s are always more:
jnk jnk j n k
Trailing zeroes in n! = + + +···
5 25 125
For a general product (not factorial): count total factors of 2 and 5; trailing zeroes =
min(count2 , count5 ).

E. Even-Odd Rules for Combinations

Even + Even = Even; Odd + Odd = Even; Even + Odd = Odd.
Even × anything = Even; Odd × Odd = Odd.
Any expression 2k · (anything) is always even.
F UPSC Tip

For (57242)9×7×5×3×1 : exponent = 945. Unit digit of base = 2. Period of 2 is 4. 945 mod 4 = 1.
So unit digit = 1st in cycle of 2 = 2. Verify your working step by step before marking!

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[2020 – Q7] How many zeroes are at the end of the product 1 × 5 × 10 × 15 × 20 × 25 × 30 × 35 × 40 ×
45 × 50 × 55 × 60?
(A) 10 (B) 12
(C) 14 (D) 15

[2024 – Q9] How many zeros are at the end of the product 1 × 2 × 3 × 4 × · · · × 25?
(A) 4 (B) 5
(C) 6 (D) 7

[2023 – Q8] What is the unit digit in the expansion of (57242)9×7×5×3×1 ?

(A) 2 (B) 4
(C) 6 (D) 8

[2025 – Q20] What is the unit digit of 31 + 32 + 33 + · · · + 3100 ?

(A) 0 (B) 3
(C) 5 (D) 9

[2024 – Q17] What is the unit digit of 775 + 776 ?

(A) 0 (B) 2
(C) 4 (D) 7

[2023 – Q14] Three of the five positive integers p, q, r, s, t are even and two are odd. Which statements
are definitely correct?
1. p + q + r − s − t is definitely even. 2. 2p + q + 2r − 2s + t is definitely odd.
(A) 1 only (B) 2 only
(C) Both 1 and 2 (D) Neither 1 nor 2

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4. Remainders 14 Questions · 2015–2025

Concept Notes Remainders

A. Basic Modular Rules

If a ≡ r1 (mod d) and b ≡ r2 (mod d), then:

R( a + b) = R(r1 + r2 (mod d))

R( a × b) = R(r1 × r2 (mod d))
R( an ) = R(r1n (mod d))

Key shortcut: Replace each number by its remainder, then compute.

B. Remainder of Powers Cyclicity Method

To find R( an ÷ d):

1. Compute r = R( a ÷ d).
2. List r1 , r2 , r3 , . . . (mod d) until the pattern repeats (period = c).
3. Use n mod c to pick the right remainder.

C. Fermat’s Little Theorem

If p is prime and gcd( a, p) = 1:

R ( a p −1 ÷ p ) = 1

Example: R(2100 ÷ 3): 2 p−1 = 22 ≡ 1 (mod 3). So 2100 = (22 )50 ≡ 150 = 1.

D. Remainder of Products ÷ 10 or 100

R( N ÷ 10) = units digit of N.
R( N ÷ 100) = last two digits of N.
To find R(product ÷ 100): at each step, keep only the last two digits.

E. Factorial Remainders
For n ≥ 5: n! ends in 0 (has factors 2 and 5 both). So:



R (1! + 2! + · · · + 100!) ÷ 10 = R (1 + 2 + 6 + 24) ÷ 10 = R(33 ÷ 10) = 3

F. Nested Divisor Trick

If x ≡ r (mod d2 ), then x ≡ R(r ÷ d) (mod d).
Example: x ≡ 18 (mod 289) where 289 = 172 ⇒ x ≡ R(18 ÷ 17) = 1 (mod 17).

G. Divisors from a Given Remainder

If 1186 divided by d gives remainder 31, then:
• d > 31 (remainder must be less than divisor)
• d divides (1186 − 31) = 1155

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• Find all divisors of 1155 that are greater than 31.

F UPSC Tip

Remainder when dividing by 6: 2n mod 6 cycles as 2, 4, 2, 4, . . . for n ≥ 1. So 2even ≡ 4 (mod 6)

and 2odd ≡ 2 (mod 6). Since 192 is even, R(2192 ÷ 6) = 4.

[2023 – Q7] What is the remainder when 85 × 87 × 89 × 91 × 95 × 96 is divided by 100?

(A) 0 (B) 1
(C) 2 (D) 4

[2023 – Q74] What is the remainder if 2192 is divided by 6?

(A) 0 (B) 1
(C) 2 (D) 4

[2021 – Q5] What is the remainder when 2100 is divided by 3?

(A) 0 (B) 1
(C) 2 (D) None of these

[2022 – Q5] What is the remainder when (1! + 2! + 3! + · · · + 100!) is divided by 10?
(A) 1 (B) 3
(C) 5 (D) 7

[2017 – Q73] A 2-digit number is reversed. The larger is divided by the smaller. What is the largest
possible remainder?
(A) 9 (B) 27
(C) 36 (D) 45

[2023 – Q27] A number N is formed by writing 9 exactly 99 times. What is the remainder if N is divided
by 13?
(A) 11 (B) 9
(C) 7 (D) 1

[2025 – Q18] What is the remainder when 340 + 4 is divided by 5?

(A) 0 (B) 1
(C) 2 (D) 3

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[2025 – Q46] What is the remainder when (16100 − 1) is divided by 4?

(A) 0 (B) 1
(C) 2 (D) 3

[2025 – Q67] What is the remainder when (231 − 1) is divided by 7?

(A) 0 (B) 1
(C) 3 (D) 6

[2020 – Q56] What is the remainder when 51 × 27 × 35 × 62 × 75 is divided by 100?

(A) 50 (B) 25
(C) 5 (D) 1

[2024 – Q18] A number when divided by 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 leaves remainders 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 respectively.
What is the smallest such number?
(A) 29 (B) 59
(C) 119 (D) None of these

[2023 – Q45] How many natural numbers give a remainder of 31 when 1186 is divided by them?
(A) 6 (B) 7
(C) 8 (D) 9

[2021 – Q56] A number x when divided by 289 leaves 18 as remainder. The same number when divided
by 17 leaves y as remainder. What is y?
(A) 1 (B) 2
(C) 3 (D) 5

[2023 – Q54] 40 children stand in a circle; child-1 has a ring. Ring is passed clockwise: child-1 to
child-2, child-2 to child-4 (gap=2), child-4 to child-7 (gap=3), and so on (gap increases by 1 each time).
After how many passes (including child-1) will the ring return to child-1?
(A) 14 (B) 15
(C) 16 (D) 17

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5. LCM & HCF 12 Questions · 2015–2025

Concept Notes LCM & HCF

A. Definitions
• HCF (Highest Common Factor): Largest number that divides all given numbers exactly.
Also called GCD.
• LCM (Least Common Multiple): Smallest positive number divisible by all given numbers.

Key relation (for two numbers): HCF( a, b) × LCM( a, b) = a × b

HCF × LCM
If one number is unknown: b=
a
B. Prime Factorization Method
HCF = product of lowest powers of common prime factors.
LCM = product of highest powers of all prime factors present.
Example: a = 12 = 22 × 3, b = 18 = 2 × 32 . HCF = 21 × 31 = 6. LCM = 22 × 32 = 36.

C. HCF of Fractions / Decimal Numbers

Convert decimals to fractions first, then:

HCF of numerators
HCF of fractions = LCM of fractions =
LCM of denominators
LCM of numerators
HCF of denominators
Minimum measurable length using two rods: = HCF of the two lengths.

D. LCM and Cyclicity (Meeting Problems)

If events/people repeat every a, b, c units of time: next simultaneous occurrence after
LCM( a, b, c) time units.

E. Least Number with a Specific Remainder

Least number leaving remainder r when divided by a, b, c = LCM( a, b, c) + r

F. HCF of Exponential Expressions

HCF(2m − 1, 2n − 1) = 2HCF(m,n) − 1

Example: HCF(28 − 1, 212 − 1) = 2HCF(8,12) − 1 = 24 − 1 = 15.

G. Number of Pairs with Given HCF and LCM

Let H = HCF, L = LCM. Write L/H = p × q where gcd( p, q) = 1 and p ≤ q.
Then one number = H · p, other = H · q. Count all such coprime factor pairs of L/H.

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F UPSC Tip

For traffic-signal problems: each signal has a full cycle = green time + red time. If green time =
red time = t seconds, full cycle = 2t seconds. Find LCM(2t1 , 2t2 , 2t3 ).

[2016 – Q13] Five hobby clubs meet every 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th day respectively. How many times
do all five meet on the same day within 180 days?
(A) 5 (B) 18
(C) 10 (D) 3

[2019 – Q35] Seeta swims every 2 days; Geeta every 3 days. Both swim together on 1 January. When
will they next swim together?
(A) 7th January (B) 8th January
(C) 12th January (D) 13th January

[2020 – Q12] You have two sticks of length 7.5 ft and 3.25 ft. What is the minimum length you can
measure exactly?
(A) 0.05 foot (B) 0.25 foot
(C) 1 foot (D) 3.25 feet

[2020 – Q51] What is the greatest length x such that 3 12 m and 8 34 m are both integral multiples of x?
(A) 1 12 m (B) 1 13 m
(C) 1 14 m (D) 1 34 m

[2020 – Q54] What is the least four-digit number which when divided by 3, 4, 5 and 6 leaves remainder
2 in each case?
(A) 1012 (B) 1022
(C) 1122 (D) 1222

[2021 – Q51] The HCF and LCM of two numbers are 12 and 924. The number of such pairs is:
(A) 0 (B) 1
(C) 2 (D) 3

[2021 – Q54] LCM of two numbers is 630 and HCF is 9. One number is 81. What is the other?
(A) 70 (B) 90
(C) 63 (D) 105

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[2024 – Q19] HCF of two numbers is 16 and LCM is 160. One number is 32. What is the other?
(A) 48 (B) 80
(C) 96 (D) 112

[2025 – Q28] LCM of two numbers is 2310 and HCF is 30. One number is 210. What is the other?
(A) 330 (B) 660
(C) 420 (D) None of these

[2025 – Q47] What is the HCF of (28 − 1) and (212 − 1)?

(A) 15 (B) 255
(C) 4095 (D) None of these

[2023 – Q50] Three traffic signals change every 25 s, 39 s and 60 s (from green to red). Green and red
durations are equal for each signal. At 2:00 p.m. all turn green together. At what time do they all turn
green again simultaneously?
(A) 4:00 p.m. (B) 4:10 p.m.
(C) 4:20 p.m. (D) 4:30 p.m.

[2021 – Q75] A clock strikes once at 1 o’clock, twice at 2 o’clock, and so on. How many times does it
strike in a day?
(A) 78 (B) 120
(C) 156 (D) 180

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6. Factors & Multiples 13 Questions · 2015–2025

Concept Notes Factors & Multiples

A. Number of Factors
If N = p1a × p2b × p3c × · · · , then:

Total number of factors = ( a + 1)(b + 1)(c + 1) · · ·

Example: 7200 = 25 × 32 × 52 ⇒ (5 + 1)(2 + 1)(2 + 1) = 54 factors.

B. Numbers with Exactly 3 Factors

A number has exactly 3 factors if and only if it is the square of a prime.
Factors are 1, p, and p2 . Examples: 4, 9, 25, 49, 121, 169, . . .

C. Sum of All Factors

If N = p a × qb :

p a +1 − 1 q b +1 − 1
Sum of factors = ×
p−1 q−1

D. Perfect Squares and Cubes

Perfect square: all prime-factor exponents are even

Perfect cube: all prime-factor exponents are multiples of 3
Both: all exponents are multiples of 6 (LCM of 2 and 3)

E. Difference of Squares
a2 − b2 = ( a + b)( a − b). To find natural number pairs:
1. Express N = m × n where m > n > 0, both same parity (both odd or both even).
2. Then a = (m + n)/2 and b = (m − n)/2.
3. Count valid factorizations.

F. Diophantine Equations
1 1 1
For + = (positive integers):
x y k

( x − k)(y − k) = k2

Number of solutions = number of factor pairs of k2 (including both (d, k2 /d) and reversed).

G. Prime Number Properties

• Every prime > 3 is of the form 6k ± 1.
• For prime p > 3: ( p2 − 1) = ( p − 1)( p + 1). Both neighbors are even, and one is divisible
by 3. Hence ( p2 − 1) is always divisible by 24.
• 25 prime numbers exist between 1 and 100.

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• Primes with unit digit 1 (between 1–100): 11, 31, 41, 61, 71 that is 5 primes.
F UPSC Tip
√ √
To check if a number is prime, test divisibility by all primes ≤ N. For 667: 667 ≈ 25.8. Test:
2 (no), 3 (no), 5 (no), 7: 667/7 ≈ 95.3 (no), 11: 667/11 = 60.6√ (no), 13: 667/13 = 51.3 (no), 17:
667/17 ≈ 39.2 (no), 19: 667/19 ≈ 35.1 (no), 23: 667/23 = 29 . So 667 = 23 × 29 not prime.

[2024 – Q20] How many prime numbers between 1 and 100 have 1 as their unit digit?
(A) 4 (B) 5
(C) 6 (D) 7

[2024 – Q10] Which one of the following is both a perfect square and a perfect cube?
(A) 36 (B) 64
(C) 81 (D) 125

[2025 – Q40] The perfect square closest to 5000 that is also a multiple of 5 is:
(A) 4900 (B) 5000
(C) 5100 (D) None of these

[2024 – Q39] If m and n are two odd numbers, which one is always even?
(A) m + n (B) m − n
(C) m × n (D) Both (A) and (B)

[2025 – Q27] How many prime numbers p satisfy: p, p + 10 and p + 14 are all prime?
(A) 1 (B) 2
(C) 3 (D) 4

[2023 – Q15] For prime p and composite c: (1) ( p + c)/( p − c) can be even. (2) 2p + c can be odd. (3) pc
can be odd. Which are correct?
(A) 1 and 2 only (B) 2 and 3 only
(C) 1 and 3 only (D) 1, 2 and 3

[2020 – Q75] How many pairs of natural numbers have a difference of squares equal to 63?
(A) 3 (B) 4
(C) 5 (D) 2

[2022 – Q74] How many pairs of natural numbers have a difference of squares equal to 45?

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(A) 1 (B) 2
(C) 3 (D) 4

[2022 – Q67] Let p be a prime > 3. Then ( p2 − 1) is always divisible by:

(A) 8 but not necessarily 24 (B) 12 but not necessarily 24
(C) 24 (D) None of these

[2025 – Q5] How many natural numbers from 1 to 100 have exactly three factors?
(A) 4 (B) 5
(C) 6 (D) 8

[2025 – Q64] What is the number of divisors of 7200?

(A) 48 (B) 54
(C) 60 (D) 72

[2025 – Q35] If n = 24 × 33 × 52 × 7, what is the sum of all divisors of n?

(A) 55,800 (B) 66,000
(C) 72,800 (D) None of these

1 1 1
[2025 – Q7] How many pairs of positive integers ( x, y) satisfy + = ?
x y 12
(A) 4 (B) 5
(C) 6 (D) 7

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7. Miscellaneous 65 Questions · 2015–2025

Concept Notes Miscellaneous (Equations, Fractions, Indices, Geometry, Optimization)

A. Word Problems Linear Equations

Translate conditions into equations. Common patterns:
Wheels: 4C + 2S = W. Contribution: if n students each give n rupees, total = n2 .
Race: if d km done = p% of race, total = d × 100/p.
Vessel weight: Full = empty + water; Partial fill gives second equation.

B. Ratio and Proportion

a
a : b = c : d ⇒ ad = bc. If ratio a : b and total T, first part = × T.
a+b
C. Recurring Decimals to Fractions

ab abc 99 + ab
[Link] = [Link] = [Link] =
99 999 99
D. Fraction Property
For proper fraction a/b (a < b) and positive k: adding k to both gives larger value, closer to 1.
a+k a
So > . The fraction closest to 1 shows the minimum change when k is added.
b+k b
E. Laws of Indices

am × an = am+n ( am )n = amn a−n = 1/an a0 = 1

If a x = by = cz = k: then a = k1/x , b = k1/y , c = k1/z

F. Geometric Progression
x, y, z are in GP ⇐⇒ y2 = xz (middle term squared = product of extremes).

G. Optimization (AM-GM Inequality)

a+b √
AM ≥ GM: ≥ ab (equality when a = b)
2
Fixed sum S: product ab is maximum when a = b = S/2 ⇒ max product = (S/2)2
Fixed product: sum is minimum when a = b

H. Pythagoras Theorem
Right triangle: a2 + b2 = c2 (hypotenuse c). Common triples: (3,4,5), (5,12,13), (8,15,17).

I. Digit Counting (Writing 1 to N)

1-digit (1–9): 9 digits 2-digit (10–99): 180 digits 3-digit (100–999): 2700 digits

Book with N pages where 100 ≤ N ≤ 999: total digits = 9 + 180 + ( N − 99) × 3.

J. Choosing Pairs / Combinations

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Sum of first n natural numbers = n(n + 1)/2. If this = given total, solve quadratic in n.
F UPSC Tip

For the “torn page” problem: pages come in pairs (n, n + 1). If remaining sum is S, then original
sum = n(n + 1)/2. The torn page sum = n(n + 1)/2 − S must equal consecutive integers k and
k + 1, so it must be odd.

[2015 – Q79] In a box of marbles, there are 3 fewer white marbles than red, and 5 more white than
green. If there are 10 white marbles, how many marbles are in the box?
(A) 26 (B) 28
(C) 32 (D) 36

[2019 – Q16] A runner crossing the 12 km mark is told she has completed only 80% of the race. How
many km should she run in total?
(A) 14 (B) 15
(C) 16 (D) 16.5

[2020 – Q79] A vessel full of water weighs 40 kg. If one-third filled, it weighs 20 kg. What is the weight
of the empty vessel?
(A) 10 kg (B) 15 kg
(C) 20 kg (D) 25 kg

[2015 – Q38] In a parking area, the total wheels of cars (4-wheelers) and scooters (2-wheelers) is 100
more than twice the number of parked vehicles. Number of cars parked?
(A) 35 (B) 45
(C) 50 (D) 55

[2016 – Q14] Some flowers and bees: 1 bee per flower ⇒ 1 bee left; 2 bees per flower ⇒ 1 flower left.
Number of flowers and bees?
(A) 2 and 4 (B) 3 and 2
(C) 3 and 4 (D) 4 and 3

[2016 – Q29] Every student contributes as many rupees as the number of students. With an extra Rs. 2
from one student, total is Rs. 443. How many students?
(A) 12 (B) 21
(C) 43 (D) 45

[2016 – Q53] Total emoluments of two persons are equal. One gets 65% of basic pay as allowance, other
gets 80%. Ratio of basic pay (former to latter)?

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(A) 16:13 (B) 5:4

(C) 7:5 (D) 12:11

[2017 – Q16] Spiders A, B, C climb pillars. A: climb 6, slip 1. B: climb 7, slip 3. C: climb 6, slip 2. Each
needs 40 chances to reach top. Height of shortest pillar?
(A) 161 cm (B) 163 cm
(C) 182 cm (D) 210 cm

[2019 – Q19] Rakesh and Rajesh bought 10 balls and 10 rackets. Rakesh spent Rs. 1300; Rajesh Rs. 4500.
Each racket costs 3 times a ball. Price of a racket?
(A) Rs. 70 (B) Rs. 90
(C) Rs. 210 (D) Rs. 240

[2019 – Q69] How many triplets ( x, y, z) of natural numbers satisfy x + y + z = 6?

(A) 4 (B) 5
(C) 9 (D) 10

[2020 – Q11] In the sum ⊗ + 1 ⊗ +5 ⊗ + ⊗ ⊗ + ⊗1 = 1 ⊗ ⊗, for which digit does ⊗ stand?

(A) 2 (B) 3
(C) 4 (D) 5

[2020 – Q14] One page is torn from a booklet whose pages start from 1. Sum of remaining pages is 195.
The torn page contains which numbers?
(A) 5, 6 (B) 7, 8
(C) 9, 10 (D) 11, 12

[2022 – Q7] If a two-digit number is added to the number obtained by reversing its digits, the sum is
77. How many such two-digit numbers are there?
(A) 2 (B) 4
(C) 5 (D) None of these

[2018 – Q68] A lift holds 18 adults or 30 children. How many children can board with 12 adults?
(A) 6 (B) 10
(C) 12 (D) 15

[2018 – Q77] If x − y = 8, which must be true? (1) Both x, y positive. (2) If x > 0, y < 0. (3) If x < 0,
y > 0.
(A) 1 only (B) 2 only
(C) Both 1 and 2 (D) Neither 1 nor 2 nor 3

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[2018 – Q23] If X ∈ (−3, −1) and Y ∈ (−1, 1), then X 2 − Y 2 lies between:
(A) −9 and 1 (B) −9 and −1
(C) 0 and 8 (D) 0 and 9

[2016 – Q50] A rectangle with variable X1 m and X2 m sides where X1 + X2 = 40 m. Area will not
exceed:
(A) 400 sq m (B) 300 sq m
(C) 200 sq m (D) 80 sq m

[2019 – Q50] If numerator and denominator of a proper fraction are both increased by the same positive
quantity, the resulting fraction is:
(A) always less than original (B) always greater than original
(C) always equal (D) cannot be determined

[2020 – Q76] Which fraction shows minimum change in value if 5 is added to both numerator and
denominator? Fractions: 23 , 34 , 45 , 56
(A) 2/3 (B) 3/4
(C) 4/5 (D) 5/6

[2020 – Q53] The recurring decimal 1.272727 . . . is equivalent to:

(A) 13/11 (B) 14/11
(C) 127/99 (D) 137/99

[2021 – Q53] What is 0.474747 . . . expressed as a fraction?

(A) 47/99 (B) 47/100
(C) 47/999 (D) 47/1000

[2018 – Q24] X and Y are natural numbers > 1 and Y > X. Which is the largest?
(A) XY (B) X/Y
(C) Y/X (D) ( X + Y )/( XY )

[2020 – Q50] What is the largest among the following?

(A) (1/2)−6 (B) (1/4)−3
(C) (1/3)−4 (D) (1/6)−2

[2021 – Q19] If x, y, z are in geometric progression, which is correct?

(A) y2 = xz (B) y2 = x + z
(C) 2y = x + z (D) y = xz

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a2 b2 c2
[2021 – Q8] If a + b + c = 0, what is + + ?
bc ca ab
(A) 0 (B) 1
(C) 3 (D) −3

[2021 – Q50] If x = 21/3 − 2−1/3 , what is 2x3 + 6x?

(A) 1 (B) 2
(C) 3 (D) 4

[2022 – Q8] If 2x = 3y = 12z , which is correct?

1 1 2 2 1 2
(A) z = y + x (B) z = y + x
1 1 2 2 1 2
(C) z = x + y (D) z = x + y

[2025 – Q79] If 2x = 3y = 6z , which is correct?

1 1 1 1 1 1
(A) z = x + y (B) z = x − y
(C) z = x + y (D) z = xy/( x + y)

[2023 – Q26] If p, q, r, s are distinct single-digit positive numbers, what is the greatest value of ( p +
q)(r + s)?
(A) 230 (B) 225
(C) 224 (D) 221

[2025 – Q26] If a, b > 0 and a + b = 10, minimum value of ( a + 1a )(b + 1b ) is:

(A) 25/100 (B) 100/25
(C) Depends on a, b (D) None of these

[2025 – Q76] Sum of two numbers is 24 and sum of their squares is minimum. What is the maximum
product of the two numbers?
(A) 108 (B) 120
(C) 144 (D) None of these

[2017 – Q51] How many numbers between 99 and 1000 have the digit 8 in the units place?
(A) 64 (B) 80
(C) 90 (D) 104

[2017 – Q80] How many digits are printed if a 150-page book is numbered from 1 to 150?
(A) 262 (B) 342
(C) 360 (D) 450

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[2020 – Q34] In sequences 51473985726315 and 863852243496: how many odd numbers are immediately
followed by an odd number?
(A) 5 (B) 6
(C) 7 (D) 8

[2021 – Q37] How many digits are required to write all natural numbers from 1 to 100?
(A) 192 (B) 193
(C) 194 (D) 195

[2018 – Q36] While writing numbers from 700 to 1000, how many have hundreds digit > tens digit >
units digit?
(A) 61 (B) 64
(C) 85 (D) 91

[2019 – Q9] The number of times digit 5 appears while writing integers from 1 to 1000 is:
(A) 269 (B) 271
(C) 300 (D) 302

[2019 – Q53] A printer uses 3089 digits to number pages starting from 1. How many pages does the
book have?
(A) 1040 (B) 1048
(C) 1049 (D) 1050

[2020 – Q37] How many integers between 1 and 100 have 4 as a digit but are not divisible by 4?
(A) 5 (B) 11
(C) 12 (D) 13

[2021 – Q16] How many numbers between 100 and 300 (exclusive) have the same units digit and tens
digit?
(A) 10 (B) 18
(C) 20 (D) 9

[2024 – Q45] How many times does the digit 5 appear in numbers from 1 to 100?
(A) 11 (B) 15
(C) 20 (D) 21

[2025 – Q48] What is the digit at the 100th place in the sequence 1 2 3 4 · · · 9 1 0 1 1 1 2 . . .?

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(A) 5 (B) 4
(C) 0 (D) 1

[2023 – Q10] D is a 3-digit number such that the ratio of the number to the sum of its digits is least.
What is the difference between the hundreds digit and the units digit of D?
(A) 0 (B) 7
(C) 8 (D) 9

[2020 – Q78] If 1 litre of water weighs 1 kg, how many cubic millimetres of water weigh 0.1 gm?
(A) 1 (B) 10
(C) 100 (D) 1000

[2021 – Q68] A tailor has 37.5 metres of cloth and makes 8 pieces per metre. How many pieces?
(A) 320 (B) 300
(C) 288 (D) 295

[2022 – Q35] 1 kg of rice costs Rs. 56. If 2 kg 250 g is purchased, how much money is needed?
(A) Rs. 114 (B) Rs. 120
(C) Rs. 126 (D) Rs. 124.50

[2024 – Q30] A man buys 3 kg 500 g sugar at Rs. 40/kg and 4 kg 200 g salt at Rs. 20/kg. Total amount
paid?
(A) Rs. 224 (B) Rs. 220
(C) Rs. 218 (D) Rs. 226

[2016 – Q57] Tree trunk AB broken at height 12 m. Broken part touches ground at D, 5 m from base A.
Original height of trunk?
(A) 20 m (B) 25 m
(C) 30 m (D) 35 m

[2017 – Q75] Walls and ceiling meet at right angles at P. A fly is 1 m from one wall, 8 m from the other,
and 9 m from P. How far is it from the ceiling?
(A) 4 (B) 6
(C) 12 (D) 15

[2016 – Q39] A tin rectangle (12 cm × 8 cm) is used to construct a closed cube. Side of the cube?
(A) 2 cm (B) 3 cm
(C) 4 cm (D) 6 cm

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[2016 – Q73] Cylindrical tank (r=2 m, h=7 m) filled from underground tank (5.5 × 4 × 6 m). What
fraction of underground tank remains filled?
(A) 1/3 (B) 1/2
(C) 1/4 (D) 1/6

[2016 – Q26] Class runs 11:00 am to 2:27 pm. Four equal periods with 5-minute break after each.
Duration of each period?
(A) 48 min (B) 50 min
(C) 51 min (D) 53 min

[2022 – Q26] A person covers 6 km in 45 minutes. If half the distance is covered in 2/3 of the time,
what speed is needed for the remaining distance?
(A) 6 km/h (B) 8 km/h
(C) 12 km/h (D) None of these

8 10 15 13
[2018 – Q4] Find the missing value ‘?’ in the pattern: 6 5 7 4
4 6 8 8
6 11 16 ?

(A) 17 (B) 19
(C) 21 (D) 23

[2019 – Q60] S1: p and q both prime. S2: p + q is odd. Is pq odd?

(A) S1 alone sufficient (B) S2 alone sufficient
(C) Neither sufficient (D) Both necessary

[2017 – Q53] Mr. X’s age last year was a perfect square; next year it will be a perfect cube. How many
years must he wait for his age to be a perfect cube again?
(A) 42 (B) 38
(C) 25 (D) 16

[2022 – Q28] 70% vehicles are four-wheelers, rest two-wheelers. Total tyres = 120. Total vehicles?
(A) 30 (B) 35
(C) 40 (D) 45

[2022 – Q78] What is M if the sum of all natural numbers from 1 to M is 190?
(A) 17 (B) 19
(C) 20 (D) None of these

[2024 – Q55] Positive integers p, q satisfy p + q = 20 and p × q = 96. How many ordered pairs ( p, q)
are possible?

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(A) 1 (B) 2
(C) 3 (D) 4

[2018 – Q38] A bookseller sold a Geography books at Rs. x each, ( a + 2) History books at Rs. ( x + 2)
each, and ( a − 2) Maths books at Rs. ( x − 2) each. Total sale?
(A) 3x + 3a (B) 3ax + 8
(C) 9ax (D) x3 a3

[2025 – Q29] In a three-digit number, hundreds digit is twice units digit; tens digit is average of the
other two. Reversed number is 198 less than original. What is the number?
(A) 642 (B) 864
(C) 753 (D) None of these

[2025 – Q6] Three primes p < q < r: p + q + r = 40. p and r are in AP with common difference q. How
many such triplets?
(A) 1 (B) 2
(C) 3 (D) None

[2023 – Q46] Let pp, qq and rr be 2-digit numbers where p < q < r. If pp + qq + rr = tt0 (a 3-digit
number ending in zero), consider:
1. The number of possible values of p is 5.
2. The number of possible values of q is 6.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
(A) 1 only (B) 2 only
(C) Both 1 and 2 (D) Neither 1 nor 2

[2023 – Q76] AB and CD are 2-digit numbers. AB × CD = DEF (3-digit). DEF + GHI = 975. All of A,
B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I are distinct digits. Given E= 0, F= 8, find A + B + C.
(A) 6 (B) 7
(C) 8 (D) 9

[2023 – Q69] Silver coins weigh 2 g, 5 g, 10 g, 25 g, 50 g (available in large numbers).

1. To buy 78 g of coins, one must buy at least 7 coins.
2. To weigh 78 g using these coins, one can use fewer than 7 coins.
Which statement(s) is/are correct?
(A) 1 only (B) 2 only
(C) Both 1 and 2 (D) Neither 1 nor 2

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[2020 – Q16] A3BC and DE2F are four-digit numbers where each letter is a different digit greater than
3. Their sum is 15902. What is | A − D |?
(A) 1 (B) 2
(C) 3 (D) 4

Summary & Year-wise Analysis

Year-wise Breakdown

Year Question Numbers Total

2015 Q38, Q57, Q79 3

2016 Q13, Q14, Q26, Q29, Q39, Q50, Q53, Q57, Q62, Q73 10
2017 Q16, Q49, Q51, Q53, Q73, Q75, Q79, Q80 8
2018 Q2, Q4, Q23, Q24, Q34, Q36, Q38, Q68, Q77 9
2019 Q9, Q15, Q16, Q19, Q33, Q35, Q50, Q53, Q60, Q69, Q75 11
2020 Q7, Q8, Q9, Q10, Q11, Q12, Q14, Q16, Q34, Q37, Q50, Q51, Q53, Q54, Q56, Q58, Q75, 18
Q76, Q77, Q78, Q79
2021 Q5, Q6, Q7, Q8, Q16, Q19, Q37, Q50, Q51, Q53, Q54, Q56, Q58, Q68, Q75, Q76, Q79 17
2022 Q5, Q6, Q7, Q8, Q16, Q26, Q28, Q35, Q54, Q58, Q67, Q74, Q78 13
2023 Q7, Q8, Q9, Q10, Q14, Q15, Q16, Q17, Q25, Q26, Q27, Q28, Q29, Q45, Q46, Q50, Q54, 20
Q69, Q74, Q76
2024 Q9, Q10, Q15, Q17, Q18, Q19, Q20, Q30, Q35, Q39, Q45, Q48, Q54, Q55 14
2025 Q5, Q6, Q7, Q18, Q20, Q25, Q26, Q27, Q28, Q29, Q35, Q40, Q46, Q47, Q48, Q64, Q67, 20
Q76, Q79, Q80

Total 143

High-Frequency Topics Prepare These First!

Subtopic Years Active Count

Divisibility Rules 2016, 17, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25 9 years
Linear Equations 2015, 16, 17, 19, 20, 21, 22 7 years
Digit Counting 2017, 18, 19, 20, 21, 24, 25 7 years
Remainders 2017, 21, 22, 23, 25 5 years
Digit Reversal 2017, 18, 19, 21, 24 5 years
HCF / LCM 2020, 21, 24, 25 4 years
Unit Digit / Cyclicity 2023, 24, 25 (trend ↑) 3 years
Prime Numbers 2023, 24, 25 (trend ↑) 3 years

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Difficulty Distribution by Year

Year Easy Medium Hard Total

2015 1 1 1 3
2016 3 7 0 10
2017 2 5 1 8
2018 2 7 0 9
2019 3 7 1 11
2020 9 8 1 18
2021 5 10 2 17
2022 3 7 3 13
2023 3 12 5 20
2024 4 7 3 14
2025 5 12 3 20

Total 40 83 20 143

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