CHAPTER 16

PLAYING WITH NUMBERS

Compendium
A. Introduction
B. Numbers is Generalised Forms
C. Games with Numbers
(i) Guessing a Two-Digit Number
(ii) Guessing the difference between a 3-digit number and its
reverse
D. Tests of Divisibility
E. Mathematical puzzles-Cryptarithmetic
F. More Number Puzzles
(i) More Number Puzzles
(ii) Number Patterns
(iii) Arithmetic Sequence
(iv) Geometric Sequence
(v) Triangular Numbers
G. Bird’s Eye View
H. Solved Examples
I. Practice Yourself
J. Solutions

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A. Introduction
You have already learnt about the tests of divisibility of numbers by 2,
3, 4, 5, 8, 9 and 10. You also know how to write natural numbers in the
expanded form. Now, we will learn to express 2-digit and 3-digit
numbers in a generalised form and learn how the divisibility tests
actually work using the generalised form of a number.

B. Numbers in Generalised form

A number is said to be in generalised form if it is expressed as the
sum of the product of its digits with their respective place values.
Consider the 2-digit number 78. It can be written in expanded form
as 70 + 8 = (10 × 7) + (1 × 8).
The generalised form of a 2-digit number ab, in which a is the digit in
the tens place and b, the digit in the ones place is 𝐚𝐛 = (𝟏𝟎 × 𝐚) + 𝐛,
where a ≠ 0 and b takes any value from 0 to 9.
If we reverse the digits of the number 78, we get 87. Clearly, 78 ≠ 87.
Reverse the digits of the number ab, to get ba.
It can be written as 𝐛𝐚 = (𝟏𝟎 × 𝐛) + 𝐚, and ab ≠ ba.
Similarly, a 3-digit number can be written in expanded form using the
place values of its digits.
Take three digits 4, 5 and 6. The same digits can be used to form six
different three-digit numbers—456, 465, 564, 546, 654 and 645.
The expanded form of each of these numbers will be different as the
place value changes in each and each can be written in a unique
generalised form.
The generalised form of a 3-digit number abc in which a is the digit
in the hundreds place,
b the digit in the tens place and c, the digit in the ones place is:

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abc=(100×a)+(10×b)+c, where a ≠ 0 and b, c take any value from 0 to
9.
The 3 digits can be used to form six different 3-digit numbers, abc, acb,
bca, bac, cab and cba.
Example 1 Write in the regular form:
(i) (100×5)+(10×0)+(1×6)
(ii) (100×7)+(10×7)+(1×7)
Solution The regular forms of the given numbers are:
(i) (100×5)+(10×0)+(1×6)=506
(ii) (100×7)+(10×7)+(1×7)=777

Checkpoint-1

Answer the following questions.

(1) Which digit is in the tens place of xy?
(2) What is the value of a in the number bac?
(3) What is the value of m in the number mnp?
(4) Does x have the same value in the numbers x, xy and xyz?
(5) For what values of c, d and e are the numbers cde, ced, dec and ecd
the same?

C. Games with Numbers

Consider the following games based on the generalised forms of 2-
digit and 3-digit numbers.
(i) Guessing a Two-Digit Number
Tina and Riya play a guessing game.
Tina: Riya, think of a 2-digit number. Reverse its digits. Add both the
numbers the original 2-digit number and the number obtained by
reversing the digits. Divide their sum by 11. What is your answer?

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Riya: 11
Tina: Now, take the 2-digit number you first thought of. Subtract its
ones digit from 11. What do you get?
Riya:
Tina: The number you thought of is 38, right?
Riya: How did you guess?
Let us now see how Tina guessed the correct answer.
• Let ab = 10a + b be the expanded form of a 2-digit number ab.
• The expanded form of the number be formed by reversing its digits
is ba = 10b + a.
• Add the two numbers to get (10a + b) + (10b + a) = 11a + 11b = 11 (a +
b).
• Divide this by 11 to get (a + b).
So, if we know (a + b) and a, we can find b and thus the number ab.
The sum of a number and the number obtained by reversing its
digits is always divisible by 11.
Any 2-digit number can be guessed by using subtraction also.
If we subtract one number from another, we get:
• ab-ba=(10a+b)-(10b+a) = 9a-9b=9 (a-b)
• ba-ab=(10b+a)-(10a+b)=9b-9a=9 (b-a)
• The difference of a number and the number obtained by
reversing its digits is always divisible by 9.
(ii) Guessing the difference between a 3-digit number and its
reverse
Vikas and Preethi play another guessing game.
Vikas: Preethi, think of a 3-digit number. Reverse the digits in the
hundreds place, and

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ones place to get a new number. Now, subtract the smaller number
from the larger one. What is the ones digit of your answer?
Preethi: 8
Vikas: The difference of the two numbers is 198, right?
Preethi: How did you guess?
Let us now see how Vikas guessed the correct answer.
Let us consider the expanded form of a 3-digit number
abc=100a+10b+c.
The number formed by reversing its digits is cba=100c+10b+a.
The difference between the two numbers
=abc-cba=(100a+10b+c)-(100c+10b+a)
=99a-99c [assuming the abc to be larger]
=99(a-c)
• The difference between the numbers is always 99 times the
difference between its hundreds and the ones digits.
For example,
• If |(a-c)|=2, then the difference is 198.
• If |(a - c)|=3, then the difference is 297.
• In general, if |(a-c)|=n, then the difference is
99n [100(n-1)+10(9)+9 –(n-1)=99n].
We observe that the tens digit is always 9 and the sum of the one's
digit and the hundreds
digit is always 9. Therefore, when the one's digit is known, the
hundreds digit can be found by subtracting the ones digit from 9.
Note: |a-c|=(a-c) or (c-a) depending on which is greater of a and c.
Example 2 If the first and the last digits of a 3-digit number differ
by 4, find the difference between the number and that obtained by
reversing its digits.

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Solution For |(a-c)|=n, then the difference is: 99n
For |(a-c)|=4, then the difference is: 99×4=396

Checkpoint-2

1. Write the expanded forms:

(i) 19 (ii) 35 (iii) 249 (iv) 806
2. Write the regular forms:
(i) 10×6+5 (ii) 10×3+9
(iii) 10×4+6 (iv) 100×9+10×5+9
3. Verify with numbers 72 and 36 that the sum of a number and the
number obtained by reversing its digits is always divisible by 11.
4. Verify with numbers 45 and 69 that the difference of a number and
the number obtained by reversing its digits is always divisible by 9.
5. Verify with numbers 387 and 982 that the difference between a 3-
digit number and its reverse is always 99 times the difference
between the hundreds and the one's digits.
6. Find the difference between a 2-digit number and the number
obtained by reversing its digits if the two digits of the number
differ by 5.
7. The first and the last digits of a 3-digit number differ by 6. Find the
difference between the number and that obtained by reversing its
digits.
8. The sum of a 2-digit number and the number formed by reversing
its digits is 77. What are the possible numbers satisfying this
condition?

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D. Tests of divisibility
Let us now learn the working of the tests of divisibility of natural
numbers by 2, 3, 4, 5, 9 and 10 using the generalised forms of numbers
a. Divisibility by 10
A number is divisible by 10 if its one's digit is zero.
The generalised form of a 2-digit number is ab = 10a + b. In this, 10a is
divisible by 10.
Hence, (10a+b) is divisible by 10 if and only if the digit in the one's place,
b is 0.
Similarly, the generalised form of a 3-digit number is abc=100a+10b+c.
Here, 100a and 10b are divisible by 10.
Hence, (100a+10b+c) is divisible by 10 if and only if the one's digit, c is
0.
b. Divisibility by 5
A number is divisible by 5 if its one's digit is 5 or 0.
The generalised form of a 2-digit number ab is 𝟏𝟎𝐚 + 𝐛. In this, 10a is
divisible by 5.
The number (𝟏𝟎𝐚 + 𝐛) is divisible by 5 if b, the digit in the one's place is
either 0 or 5.
Similarly, the generalised form of a 3-digit number abc is 𝟏𝟎𝟎𝐚 + 𝟏𝟎𝐛 +
𝐜.
In this, both 100a and 10b are divisible by 5.
Hence, (𝟏𝟎𝟎𝐚 + 𝟏𝟎𝐛 + 𝐜) is divisible by 5 if c, the digit in the one's place
is 0 or 5.
c. Divisibility by 2
A number is divisible by 2 if its one's digit is divisible by 2.

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The generalised form of a 2-digit number ab is 𝟏𝟎𝐚 + 𝐛. In this, 10a is
divisible by 2. If b, the digit in the one's place is divisible by 2, then
(𝟏𝟎𝐚 + 𝐛) is divisible by 2.
Similarly, the generalised form of a 3-digit number 𝐚𝐛𝐜 is 𝟏𝟎𝟎𝐚 +
𝟏𝟎𝐛 + 𝐜.
In this, 𝟏𝟎𝟎𝐚 and 𝟏𝟎𝐛 are divisible by 2.
If c, the digit in the one's place is divisible by 2, then (𝟏𝟎𝟎𝐚 + 𝟏𝟎𝐛 + 𝐜)
is divisible by 2.
d. Divisibility by 4
A number is divisible by 4 if the number formed by its last two digits
is divisible by 4.
The generalised form of a 3-digit number 𝐚𝐛𝐜 is 𝟏𝟎𝟎𝐚 + 𝟏𝟎𝐛 + 𝐜.
In this, 𝟏𝟎𝟎𝐚 is divisible by 4. The divisibility of (100a + 10b + c) depends
on (10b + c). Hence, if 𝐛𝐜 is divisible by 4, then the number 𝐚𝐛𝐜 is
divisible by 4.
e. Divisibility by 3 and 9
A number is divisible by 3 or 9 if the sum of its digits is divisible by 3 or
9.
The generalised form of a 3-digit number 𝐚𝐛𝐜 is 𝟏𝟎𝟎𝐚 + 𝟏𝟎𝐛 + 𝐜, which
can be written as: 𝟏𝟎𝟎𝐚 + 𝟏𝟎𝐛 + 𝐜 = (𝐚 + 𝐛 + 𝐜) + (𝟗𝟗𝐚 + 𝟗𝐛).
In this, (𝟗𝟗𝐚 + 𝟗𝐛) is divisible by 3 and 9.
Hence, if (𝐚 + 𝐛 + 𝐜) is divisible by 3 or 9, then the number 𝐚𝐛𝐜 is
divisible by 3 or 9 respectively.
Example 3 Find the value of A in the number 45A364 such that it
is divisible by 9.
Solution Sum of the digits of the given number = 4 + 5 + A + 3 + 6 +
4 = 22 + A

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For the number to be divisible by 9, this sum should be a multiple of 9
greater than 22, which are 27, 36, ...
A is a single digit, and the sum should be 27.
So, we have 22 + A = 27 ⟹ A = 27 − 22 = 5 ⟹ 𝐀 = 𝟓.
Example 4 Find the least values of A and B in the number 43 AB such
that the value of A is not 0 and the number 43AB is divisible by 3 and
4.
Solution For the number 43AB to be divisible by 4, AB has to be
divisible by 4.
Therefore, AB can be any of 12, 16, 20, 24, 28, ..., 96.
For the number 43AB to be divisible by 3, (4 + 3 + A + B) should be a
multiple of 3.
If AB = 12, then the sum of the digits = 4 + 3 + 1 + 2 = 10, which is not
divisible by 3.
Therefore, AB ≠ 12.
If AB = 16, then the sum of the digits = 4 + 3 + 1 + 6 = 14, which is not
divisible by 3.
Therefore, AB ≠ 16.
If AB = 20, then the sum of the digits = 4 + 3 + 2 + 0 = 9, which is
divisible by 3.
Therefore, AB = 20.
The number is 4320.
The values of A and B are 2 and 0, respectively.
Example 5: Find the number which should replace * in 23125* to make
it divisible by 11.
Solution: To make the number divisible by 11, the difference between
the sum of the digits at the even and odd places must be zero or
divisible by 11.

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∴ Sum of the digits at even places = 3 + 2+∗ = 5+∗
Sum of the digits at odd places = 2 + 1 + 5 = 8
But, 5+∗ = 8 ⇒∗ = 3
Thus, * must be replaced by 3 to make the number divisible by 11.
Example 6: Write the prime factors of 1386 in exponential form.
Solution: Let us find the prime factors of 1386.
1386 = 2 × 693 = 2 × 3 × 231 = 2 × 3 × 3 × 77 = 2 × 3 × 3 × 7 × 11
∴ 1386 = 2 × 3 × 3 × 7 × 11 = 2 × 32 × 7 × 11
Example 7: Write the greatest and the smallest ten-digit numbers
using all the digits from 0 to 9 which are divisible by 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8 and
9.
Solution: Greatest number: The number is divisible by 2 and 5;
therefore, the digit at the units place must be 0.
The number is divisible by 4; therefore, the digit at the tens place has
to be 2. It cannot be 1 because 10 is not divisible by 4.
Further, the digit at the hundreds place should be 1 as 120 is divisible
by 8.
The number ending with 120 will be divisible by 2, 4, 5 and 8.
Now, the sum of all the digits from 0 to 9 is 45, which is divisible by 3
as well as 9.
∴ Required greatest number = 9876543120.
Smallest number: The required number is divisible by 2 and 5;
therefore digit at the units place is zero.
As the number is divisible by 4, the digit at the tens place will be 8 as
80 is divisible by 4.
Again, the number is divisible by 8, the digit at the hundreds place
will be 6 as the number ending with 680 is divisible by 8.
The number ending with 680 is divisible by 2, 4, 5 and 8.

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Now, the sum of all the digits from 0 to 9 is 45, which is divisible by 3
as well as 9.
∴ Required smallest number = 1234579680.
Example 8: Using divisibility tests, determine which of the following
numbers are divisible by 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 and 11?
a. 4072 b. 3069 c. 3040
d. 8265 e. 230514 f. 406747
Solution:
a. 4072: Divisible by 2, 4 and 8.
b. 3069: Divisible by 3, 9 and 11.
c. 3040: Divisible by 2, 4, 5 and 8.
d. 8265: Divisible by 3 and 5.
e. 230514: Divisible by 2, 3 and 6.
f. 406747: Divisible by 11.

Example 9: If 31PQ is a multiple of both 3 and 5, find P and Q.

Solution: As 31PQ is a multiple of 5, Q must be 0 or 5. If Q = 0, then 31PQ

will be a multiple of 3, that is 3 + 1 + P or 1 + P is a multiple of 3.

As P is a single digit 1 + P = 0 or 3 or 6 or 9. Thus, P = 2, 5 or 8.

If Q = 5, then 31P5 will be a multiple of 3, that is 3 + 1 + P + 5 or P is a

multiple of 3. Since P is a single digit and a multiple of 3, P = 0, 3, 6 or 9.

Example 10: If you have a number 12A5, where A is a one-digit natural

number, and 12A5 is a multiple of 9, then find A.

Solution: As 12A5 is divisible by 9, the number 1 + 2 + A + 5 must be a

multiple of 9. Therefore, 1 + 2 + A + 5 = 0, 9, 18, ... etc. As A is a one digit

number, we must have 1 + 2 + A + 5 = 9. Thus, A= 9 – (5 + 2 + 1), which

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gives us A = 1.

Checkpoint-3

Fill in the blanks.

(1) The least value of A in the number 45A2 such that it is divisible by
4 is _____.
(2) The greatest value of P in the number 324P such that it is divisible
by 3 and 5 is _____.
(3) The least value of Q in the number 524Q such that the remainder
is 3 when it is divided by 10 is _____.
(4) If a number N divided by 2 leaves a remainder 1, the possible values
of the digit in the one's place are _____.
(5) If a number N divided by 2 leaves no remainder, the possible values
of the digit in the one's place are _____.

Checkpoint-4

1. Test the divisibility of the following numbers by 2, 3, 4, 5, 9 and 10.

(i) 560 (ii) 644 (iii) 2745
(iv) 1890 (v) 6926 (vi) 7671
(vii) 9425 (viii) 11,404
2. If 211A5 is divisible by 9, what are the possible values of A?
3. Find the value(s) of B, if 40B2 is divisible by 3 but not by 9.
4. Find the value(s) of P if 3456P leaves a remainder 2 on dividing by
3.
5. Find the value(s) of B if 568B leaves a remainder 3 when divided by
both 5 and 10.
6. Find all the possible values of Y for which 101Y is divisible by 3.

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E. Mathematical puzzles—Cryptarithmetic
A cryptarithm is a kind of mathematical puzzle in which the digits of
a number are represented by letters of the alphabet or other symbols
such that no two letters or symbols represent the same numeral in a
puzzle.
The art of creating and solving cryptarithms is called cryptarithmetic.
Cryptarithmetic is also known as verbal arithmetic or letter arithmetic.
Conventions to be followed in building cryptarithms
• Each letter represents a different digit throughout the puzzle.
• No number can begin with zero; that is, we cannot have numbers
such as 045 or 0056.
• When the letters are replaced with numerals, the arithmetical
operation carried out should be correct.
• A good puzzle must have a single solution.
Points to remember while solving cryptarithms
• When two numbers are added, the total is always less than or equal
to 18.
• Try to locate the 0s, 1s and 9s.
• You may not get the numbers in the first attempt. Find the
possibilities, and try out the digits.
Example 11 Find the unknown values in the following.
(i)
AB
+ C7
AAA

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(ii)
A5C
− CC5
5CA

(iii)
ABC
× 5
DBC

From the one's digits, to get C − 5 = A, the value of C can be 1 or 2 or 3

or 4.
If C = 1, then A = 6. When 1 is borrowed from 5 in the tens place, it
becomes 4. Then (4 − 1) = 3, which is not equal to C.
Suppose that C = 2. Then A = 7 and (4 − 2) = 2 = C is satisfied.
Therefore, the subtraction is 752 − 225 = 527. The values are 𝐀 = 𝟕 and
𝐂 = 𝟐.
(iii) 5 × C gives C, the value of C has to be 0 or 5.
If C = 0, the next product B × 5 ≠ 5. So, C has to be 5 so that there is a
carry-over of 2.
B × 5 + 2 = B ⟹ B can be 2. A has to be 1 as there are only 3 digits in the
product. D can be 6, 7, 8 or 9. D = 6 means that the carry-over was 1.
If D = 7, 8 or 9, we will not get the same value for B in both the places.
Therefore, the solution is 125 × 5 = 625.
The values are 𝐀 = 𝟏, 𝐁 = 𝟐, 𝐂 = 𝟓 and 𝐃 = 𝟔.
(iv) From the given division, 3A − 2D = 3.
Therefore, A < D as only then there will be no need to borrow.

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4 × C = 24, or 28. If 4 × C = 24, then C = 6 and D = 4.
But D cannot be 4 as 4 × D = 3B. 4 × 4 = 16, which is not 3B.
So, 4 × C must be 28, which means C = 7.
4 × 8 and 4 × 9 will give 32 and 36, respectively.
Let D be 8. Then A = 1 and the division is satisfied.
The values are 𝐀 = 𝟏, 𝐁 = 𝟐, 𝐂 = 𝟕 and 𝐃 = 𝟖.

Checkpoint-5

Solve the following cryptarithms.

1.
AB
+𝐁𝐀
1AC
2.
PQR6
×𝟕
QQ7QQ
3.
PQ
× 𝐀𝟑
9PQ

4.
ABA
×𝐀
BCBA
5.

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8A
𝐀𝟕
37

F. More Number Puzzles

You can learn about the special characteristics and peculiarities of
numbers by having fun with them. Puzzle and number patterns are
brain teasers that help to advance our understanding in many areas,
from logic to the study of shapes found in nature. Now, we shall solve
some more mathematical puzzles. There are no set rules to solve such
puzzles.
A. Magic Square
Magic square is a square filled with numbers so that the total of each
row, each column and each diagonal is same. The square can be 3 × 3,
4 × 4 and even bigger.
It is interesting to note that 3 × 3 magic square was used in India from
Vedic times and continues to be used to date. The Ganesh Yantra is a
3 × 3 magic square.
A well-known 4 × 4 magic square can be seen in Khajuraho in the
Parshvanath Jain temple.
It dates from the 10th century.
7 12 1 14
2 13 8 11
16 3 10 5
9 6 15 4

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Example 12 Complete the magic square given in the adjacent figure
so that the sum of the numbers in each row or in each column or
along each diagonal is 15.
8 1
5

Number in the upper right-hand corner = 15 − (8 + 1) = 6

Number in the bottom left corner = 15 − (6 + 5) = 4
Number in the bottom right corner = 15 − (8 + 5) = 2
Bottom number in the second column = 15 − (1 + 5) = 9
Number in the left-hand corner in the middle row = 15 − (8 + 4) = 3
Number in the right-hand corner in the middle row = 15 − (3 + 5) = 7
The completed magic square after filling in the missing numerals in as
shown alongside.
8 1 6
3 5 7
4 9 2

Example 13 Complete the given magic square so that the sum of

numbers in each row or in each column or along each diagonal is
30.
14 0
8 6 11
4 7
2 1 12
Missing numbers in the second row = 30 − (8 + 6 + 11) = 5
Missing number in the fourth row = 30 − (2 + 1 + 12) = 15

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Number in the left-hand comer in the first row = 15 − (8 + 4 + 15) = 3
First number in the third column = 30 − (3 + 14 + 0) = 13
Third number in the third column = 30 − (13 + 6 + 1) = 10
Third number in the second column = 30 − (4 + 10 + 7) = 9
The complete magic square after filling the missing numerals is as
shown alongside.
3 14 13 0
8 5 6 11
4 9 10 7
15 2 1 12

B. NUMBER PATTERNS
Numbers can have interesting patterns. Here we list the most
common patterns and how they are made.
i. Arithmetic Sequence
An arithmetic sequence is made by adding some value each time.
For example: 1, 4, 7, 10, 13, 16, ...
This pattern is continued by adding 3 to the last number each time.
The value-added each time is called the common difference (which
could also be negative.)
ii. Geometric Sequence
A geometric sequence is made by multiplying by some value each
time.
For example:2, 4, 8, 16, 32, ...
The pattern is continued by multiplying by 2 each time.
iii. Triangular Numbers
1, 3, 6, 10, 15, 21, ...

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This triangular number sequence is generated from a pattern of dots
which form a triangle. By adding another row of dots and counting all
the dots, we can find the next number of the sequence.

G. Bird’s Eye View

• The generalised form of a 2-digit number is 10x + y, where x ≠ 0 and y

can take any value between 0 and 9.

• The generalised form of a 3-digit number is l00x + 10y + z, where x ≠ 0

while y and z can take any values between 0 and 9.

• If the digit at the one's place of a number is 0, 2, 4, 6 and 8, the number

is divisible by 2.
• If the sum of all the digits in a number is divisible by 3, the number is

divisible by 3.
• If the digit at the one's place of a number is 0 or 5, the number is

divisible by 5.
• If the digit at the one's place of a number is 0, the number is divisible

by 10.
• If the sum of all the digits in a number is divisible by 9, the number is

divisible by 9.

H. Solved Examples
Example 1: If you have a number 12A5, where A is a one-digit natural
number, and 12A5 is a multiple of 9, then find A.

Solution: As 12A5 is divisible by 9, the number 1 + 2 + A + 5 must be a

multiple of 9. Therefore, 1 + 2 + A + 5 = 0, 9, 18, ... etc. As A is a one digit

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number, we must have 1 + 2 + A + 5 = 9. Thus, A= 9 – (5 + 2 + 1), which
gives us A = 1.

Example 2: If the three-digit number 24A is divisible by 3, find the

single-digit natural number A.

Solution: As 24A is divisible by 3, the number, 2 + 4 + A must be a

multiple of 3. Therefore 2 + 4 + A = 0, 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, ... But since A is a
single digit, 2 + 4 + A = 6, 9, 12 or 15

A = 6 – (2 + 4) = 0 or A = 9 – (2 + 4) = 3

or A = 12 – (2 + 4) = 6 or A = 15 – (2 + 4) = 9

Alternative Solution: Let us use the fact that since 24 is a multiple of

3, we can ignore 24 from the number 24A, so A must be a multiple of
3. Since A is a single digit, A can be 0, 3, 6 or 9.

Example 3: If 31 PQ is a multiple of both 3 and 5, find P and Q.

Solution: As 31PQ is a multiple of 5, Q must be 0 or 5. If Q = 0, then

31PO will be a multiple of 3, that is 3 + 1 + P or 1 + P is a multiple of 3.

As P is a single digit 1 + P = 0 or 3 or 6 or 9. Thus, P = 2, 5 or 8.

If Q = 5, then 31P5 will be a multiple of 3, that is 3 + 1 + P + 5 or P is a

multiple of 3. Since P is a single digit and a multiple of 3, P = 0, 3, 6 or
9.
Example 4: Find A in the addition and solve the puzzle.
8 1 A
+ 1 A 3
9 7 9
Solution Addition in one's column gives us
A+3=9

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CHAPTER 16
PLAYING WITH NUMBERS
⇒A=6
So, the puzzle can be solved, as shown below.
8 1 6
+ 1 6 3
9 7 9
EXAMPLE 5: Find A and B in the given addition and solve the puzzle.
B 3
+ 2 A
6 8
Solution Addition in one's column gives us
3+A=8
⇒A=5
Addition in tens column gives us
B+2=6
⇒B=4
So, the puzzle can be solved, as shown below.
4 3
+ 2 5
6 8

Example 6 Find A and B in the given addition.

1 A
+ B 6
6 5
Solution Study the addition in one's column since A can take values 0,
1, 2, 3, 4, ... 9
∴ A + 6 can take values 6 + 0, 6 + 1, 6 + 2, 6 + 3, 6 + 4, ... 6 + 9
∴ A + 6 can take values 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, ... 15
∴A+6>5
∴ A + 6 is a two-digit number whose units digit is 5.
∴ A + 6 = 15 ⇒ A = 9
Now considering tens columns, we have
1+B+1=6⇒B=4

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 CHAPTER 16
PLAYING WITH NUMBERS
ANS. Hence, A = 9 and B = 4.
Example 7 Find the digits A, B and C and solve the puzzle.
2 A 6 2
+ A 2 5 A
C C C B 0
Solution Study the addition in one’s column. Since A is a digit
⇒ A can take values 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
⇒ 2 + A can take values 2 + 0, 2 + 1, 2 + 2, 2 + 3, 2 + 4, ... 2 + 9
⇒ 2 + A can take values 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11
⇒2+A>0
⇒ 2 + A is a two-digit number whose units digit is 0.
⇒ 2 + A = 10 ⇒ A = 8
Now, considering tens column, we have
6 + 5 + 1 (carried over from the previous column) = 12
⇒ B = 2 and 1 is carried over
Similarly, in the hundreds column, we have
A + 2 + 1 (carried over from the previous column)
= 8 + 2 + 1 = 11
⇒ C = 1 and 1 is carried over
So, the puzzle can be solved, as shown below.
2 8 6 2
+ 8 2 5 8
1 1 1 2 0

Example 8 Using digits from 0 to 9 solve the following puzzle

where each letter stands for different digits.

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CHAPTER 16
PLAYING WITH NUMBERS
S E N D
+ M O R E
M O N E Y
Solution Letter M cannot be zero as it is first (leftmost) digit of the sum.
Also, M cannot be greater than 1, as it is a carry-over number.
∴M=1
Substituting the value of M in the given puzzle, we have
S E N D

+ 1 O R E

1 O N E Y

In the thousands column, S can take value from 0 to 9.

Also, S + 1 is a two-digit number, and 1 gets carried over.

Example 9 Show that the following cryptarithms do not have any

solution.

a.

A B

× 3

C A B

b.

A B

× 4

C A B

a. We have,

23
 CHAPTER 16
PLAYING WITH NUMBERS
A B

× 3

C A B

Solution By studying one's column, we have

B×3=B

∴ B × 3 = B = two-digit number having ones digit B

So, the possible value of B = 5

Taking B = 5, we have
A 5

× 3

C A 5

⇒ A5 × 3 = C A 5

⇒ (10A + 5) × 3 = 100C + 10A + 5

⇒ 30A + 15 = 100C + 10A + 5

⇒ 20A + 10 = 100C

⇒ 2A + 1 = 10C

This is not possible as LHS is an odd integer and RHS is an even

integer. Hence, the given cryptarithm has no solution.

b. We have,
A B
× 4

C A B

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CHAPTER 16
PLAYING WITH NUMBERS
By studying one's column, we have
B×4=B
∴ B × 4 = two-digit number having ones digit as B
Clearly, there is no such digit. Hence, the given cryptarithm has no
solution.
Example 10 Test the divisibility of each of the following numbers by
3.
a. 366 b. 657263 c. 468759
Solution
a. The given number is 366.
Sum of its digits = (3 + 6 + 6) = 15, which is divisible by 3.
∴ 366 is divisible by 3.
b. The given number is 657263.
Sum of its digits = (6 + 5 + 7 + 2 + 6 + 3) = 29, which is not divisible by 3.
∴ 657263 is not divisible by 3.
c. The given number is 468759.
Sum of its digits = (4 + 6 + 8 + 7 + 5 + 9) = 39, which is divisible by 3.
∴ 468759 is divisible by 3.
Example 11 Check the divisibility of each of the following numbers
by 9.
a. 600 b. 89145 c. 678276
a. The given number is 600.
Sum of its digits = (6 + 0 + 0) = 6, which is not divisible by 9.
∴ 600 is not divisible by 9.
b. The given number is 89145.
Sum of its digits = (8 + 9 + 1 + 4 + 5) = 27, which is divisible by 9.
∴ 89145 is divisible by 9.
c. The given number is 678276.

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 CHAPTER 16
PLAYING WITH NUMBERS
Sum of its digits = (6 + 7 + 8 + 2 + 7 + 6) = 36, which is divisible by 9.
∴ 678276 is divisible by 9.
Example 12 If 𝟏𝟖𝐱𝟓 is a multiple of 9, where x is a digit, what is the
value of x?
𝐒𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 18x5 is a multiple of 9.
[Given]
∴ Sum of its digits is a multiple of 9.
⇒ 1 + 8 + x + 5 is a multiple of 9
⇒ 14 + x is a multiple of 9 ...(1)
Since x is a digit [Given]
∴ x can take values 0, 1,2, 3, ... 9
⇒ 14 + x can take values 14 + 0, 14 + 1, 14 + 2, 14 + 3, 14 + 4 … , 14 + 9
⇒ 14 + x can take values 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, ... 23 ...(2)
⇒ 14 + x = 18 [Using (1) and (2)]
⇒x=4
Example 13 𝟏𝟑𝐳𝟓 is a multiple of 9, where z is a digit. What is the
value of z?
𝐒𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 13z5 is a multiple 9.
[Given]
∴ Sum of its digits is a multiple of 9.
⇒ 1 + 3 + z + 5 is a multiple of 9
⇒ 9 + z is a multiple of 9 ...(1)
Since z is a digit [Given]
∴ z can take values 0, 1, 2, 3, ..., 9
⇒ 9 + z can take values 9 + 0, 9 + 1, 9 + 2, 9 + 3, . . . , 9 + 9
⇒ 9 + z can take values 9, 10, 11, 12, ..., 18 …(2)
⇒ 9 + z = 9 or 9 + z = 18 [Using (1) and (2)]
⇒ z = 0 or z = 9

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CHAPTER 16
PLAYING WITH NUMBERS
Example 14 If 𝟐𝟏𝐱𝟓 is a multiple of 3, where x is a digit, what might
be the values of x?
𝐒𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 21x5 is a multiple of 3. [Given]
∴ Sum of its digits is a multiple of 3. ⇒ 2 + 1 + x + 5 is a multiple of 3
⇒ 8 + x is a multiple of 3 ...(1)
Since x is a digit [Given]
∴ x can take values 0, 1, 2, 3, ... 9
⇒ 8 + x can take values 8 + 0, 8 + 1, 8 + 2, 8 + 3, … 8 + 9
⇒ 8 + x can take values 8, 9, 10, 11, ..., 17 ...(2)
⇒ 8 + x = 9 or 8 + x = 12 or 8 + x = 15 [Using (1) and (2)]
⇒ x = 1 or x = 4 or x = 7
Example 15: What number will represent A in the following pattern?
2, 5, 11, 23, A
Solution: We can see that each number in the given pattern is the sum
of its preceding number and the consecutive number of the preceding
number.
Like 5 = 2 + 3; 11 = 5 + 6; 23 = 11 + 12.
So, according to the pattern, we must have A = 23 + 24 = 47.
Example 16: Complete the pattern 2, 6, 12, x, 30, y.
Solution: We can see that each number is the product of consecutive
numbers starting from 1.
Like, 2 = 1 × 2; 6 = 2 × 3; 12 = 3 × 4 and so on.
From this, we get x = 4 × 5 = 20 and y = 6 × 7 = 42.
Example 17: Find the unknown terms in the following addition.
5 a 7 8
+ b 3 a b
c 0 4 0

Solution: We can see that (8 + b) gives 0 which means 10, so the only

27
 CHAPTER 16
PLAYING WITH NUMBERS
possibility for b is 2. 1 is carried over to the tens column from one's
column which leads to7 + l +a = 8 + a. But 8 + a gives 4, which means
14. Thus, a must be 6, since 8 + 6 = 14.
Now, in the hundreds column, there is a carry-over of 1 from the tens
column, and we know a = 6, so 6 + 1 + 3 = 10. Thus, 0 is inserted, and 1
is carried over.
So, in the thousands column 1 + 5 + b = c or 6 + b = c. But b = 2, which
makes 6 + b = 6 + 2 = 8. Thus, c = 8.
Thus, we have, a = 6, b = 2 and c = 8.
Example 18 Find the unknown terms in the following multiplication.
6 2 a a
 4 a
1 8 6 9 9
2 4 9 a 2 
2 6 8 0 1 9

Solution: Multiplying a by a gives 9, so a must be 3 as we have, 3×3 =

9. Also, the product of 4 and a is 12, for which 2 is inserted, and 1 is
carried over, which is exactly same as given in the second row of
products. Hence, a = 3 is justified. Also, in column 3 addition, 1 is carried
over from previous column, so we have, 6 + 1 + 3 = 10. This again
justifies a = 3.

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CHAPTER 16
PLAYING WITH NUMBERS

I. Practice Yourself

1 marks question
Multiple-choice Question
1. 723 is divisible by
a) 2.
b)3.
c) 5.
d) 9.
2. 625 is divisible by
a) 2.
b) 3.
c) 5.
d) 9.
3. 224 is divisible by
a) 2.
b) 3.
c) 5.
d) 9.
4. What is the magic sum of a 3 × 3 matrix, whose middle number is
40?
a) 130
b) 120
c) 140
d) 150
5. What is the next number in the series 8, 27, 64, _?
a) 125
b) 216
c) 343
d) 729

29
 CHAPTER 16
PLAYING WITH NUMBERS
6. 45a is divisible by 3. The value of a is
a) 3.
b) 5.
c) 8.
d) 2.
7. In the multiplication a × a ×a = a the value of a is
a) 9.
b) 16.
c) 2.
d) 1.
2 Marks Questions
1. 540 is divisible by______.
2. Complete the series: 2, 4, 6, 8, ______
3. What number comes in after 72, 69, 66, ______?
4. 125 is divisible by______.
5. 200 is divisible by______.
6. The magic sum of 3 × 3 matrix whose
middle number is 72 is given by______.
7. Complete the series: 56, 60, 64, ______
8. Complete the series: 23, 33, 43, ______
9. 27 is divisible by______.
10. Complete the series: 110, 220, 330, ______

3 Marks Questions
11. The local time of Kolkata is 6 hr ahead of the UK time and 8 hr
behind that of Queenstown. If the time of Brazil is 20 hr behind
Queenstown, then what is the difference in the local times of UK
and Brazil?

12. If 1AB + CCA = 995 and there is no carry over in addition, find the

30
CHAPTER 16
PLAYING WITH NUMBERS
value of A + B + C.
13. Three girls divide 3 boxes of toffees equally. Each of them receives
15 toffees. How many toffees were there in each box?
14. What is the sum of the largest possible 3-digit number in which no
digit is repeated and the smallest possible 3-digit number in which
no digit is repeated?
15. Three boys were sharing a plate of Veg biryani. The biryani costs
₹200. One boy did not eat as much as his friends. Therefore, the
other two friends decided that the boy should pay only half of what
the other two paid. How much did the boy, who ate less, pay?
16. The value of the last digit of a 3-digit number is two times the first
digit and three times the middle digit. Find the 3-digit number.

4 marks questions

17. Find the values of the letters in each of the following and justify your
steps.

(i)

5A

+ B7

80

(ii)

4A

B8
+

121

31
 CHAPTER 16
PLAYING WITH NUMBERS
(iii)
3

× PQ

10Q

(iv)
3AB

+ AB2

819

(v)
PQ

+ P3

151

(vi)

PQ

× 3

RPQ

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CHAPTER 16
PLAYING WITH NUMBERS
18. Find the one's digit of N if:

(i) N ÷ 5 leaves no remainder.

(ii) N ÷ 2 leaves remainder 1.

(iii) N ÷ 4 leaves remainder 3.

(iv) N ÷ 5 leaves remainder 4, and N ÷ 2 leaves remainder 1.

19. If the given square, fill the numbers 20 to 28 in the blank squares to
form a magic square.

28 21

24

20

20. If the number 45Y84 is divisible by 9, find the digit Y.

21. If the number 5Y68 is divisible by 11, find the digit Y.

Advanced level

1. Find the value of each letter in the following problems.

L O G I C
(a) + L O G I C
P R O L O G

T O O
T O O
(b)
+ T O O
G O O D

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 CHAPTER 16
PLAYING WITH NUMBERS
2. Complete the multiplication: 12345679 × 9. Now, based on the
result of the above multiplication, answer the following questions.
(a)What will be the ones digit in the multiplication 12345679 × 54?
(b)What will be the tens digit in the multiplication 12345679×72?
(c)What will be the one's digit of the number that should be
multiplied to 12345679 to get 444444444? What is that number?
(d)What will be the tens digit of the number that should be
multiplied to 12345679 to get 777777777? What is that number?
3. Similar to triangular and square numbers, the pentagonal
numbers are the number of dots that can be arranged to get the
regular pentagon of increasing sides. Create the dot pattern for
pentagonal numbers. Mathematically, find the pattern formed by
pentagonal numbers. Is it possible to find a general formula for nth
pentagonal number?
4. Which is the greatest digit that can be placed in the place of a?
m n 1
+ d e f
a x y z

5. A 3-digit number, 3a2, is added to the number 623 to give a 3-digit

number, 9b5, which is divisible by 3. Find the value of b + a.
6. The number 345 is divisible by 3. It is also divisible by 5. Can you say
that the number 345 is also divisible by the number 15, which is a
common multiple of 3 and 5? Can you generalize this concept for
any other number? If yes, then how? If not, then give a
counterexample.

34
CHAPTER 16
PLAYING WITH NUMBERS
7. The numbers 1331, 30613, 15972 and 11979, all are divisible by 11. Find
the sum of digits at odd places and even places in each number.
Find the difference of the two sums. Based on your results, can you
create a divisibility rule for number 11?
8. Jacob bought 234 litres of milk. He selected 9 orphanages nearby
his locality and distributed an equal amount of milk to each of
them. How much milk did each orphanage receive? What value of
Jacob is depicted here?
9. A boy cannot afford to buy medicines for his mother. Six of his
friends contributed equally to collect 4500 for him. How much
money did each friend collect? What value is depicted here?
10.

Q7

+ 1P

92
11.

2A

× 7

17A
12.

21A

+ 6AB

B07

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 CHAPTER 16
PLAYING WITH NUMBERS

13.

PQ

× Q3

79Q

14.

75

– AB

B2

15.

83

– AB

B7

Solutions

Checkpoint -1
(1) x (2) 10a (3) 100m (4) No

(5) c = d = e

Checkpoint -2

(1) (i) 10 × 1 + 1 × 9 (ii) 10 × 3 + 1 × 5

(iii) 100 × 2 + 10 × 4 + 1 × 9 (iv) 100 × 8 + 10 × 0 + 1 × 6

(2) (i) 65 (ii) 39 (iii) 46 (iv) 959 (6) 45 (7) 594

(8) 16,25,34,43,52,61

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CHAPTER 16
PLAYING WITH NUMBERS
Checkpoint -3
(1) 1 (2) 0 (3) 3 (4) 1, 3, 5, 7, 9
(5) 0, 2, 4, 6, 8
Checkpoint -4
(1) (i) By 2, 4, 5, 10 (ii) By 2, 4 (iii) By 3, 5, 9
(iv) By 2, 3, 5, 9, 10 (v) By 2 (vi) By 3 (vii) By 5 (viii) By 2,4
(2) 0, 9 (3) 0, 6, 9 (4) 2, 5, 8 (5) 3 (6) 1, 4, 7
Checkpoint -5
(1) A = 5, B = 9, C = 4 (2) P = 3, Q = 2, R = 4
(3) A = 1, P = 7, Q = 5 (4) A = 5, B = 2, C = 6
(5) A = 4

Novice Level

Multiple-choice questions

1 marks questions
1. b)
2. c)
3. a)
4. b)
5. a)
6. a)
7. d)

2 Marks questions
1. 1,2,3,4,5,6,9,10,12,15,18,20,27,30,60,90,180,270,540.
2. 63;
3. 5;
4. 1,5,25,125
5. 1,2,4,5,8,10,20,25,50,100,200
6. 216

37
 CHAPTER 16
PLAYING WITH NUMBERS
7. 68;
8. 53;
9. 1, 3, 9 , 27
10. 440
3 Marks Questions
11. 6 hr;
12. 13;
13. 15;
14. 1089;
15. ₹40;
16. 326
4 Marks questions
17. (i) A = 3, B = 2 (ii) A = 3, B = 7
(iii) P = 7, Q = 8 (iv) P = 5 Q = 0, R = 1
(v) P = 3, Q = 5 (vi) A = 4, B = 7
18. (i) 0 or 5 (ii) 1, 3, 5, 7, or 9 (iii) 1, 3, 5, 7, or 9 (iv) 9
19.

23 28 21

22 24 26

27 20 25

20. Y=6
21. Y=3

Advance Level

1.
a) L = 2, O = 9, G = 6,1 = 4, C = 8, R = 5 and P = 0
b) T = 9, O = 9, G = 2 and D = 7;
2.
a) 6
b) 8
c) 6 and 36

38
CHAPTER 16
PLAYING WITH NUMBERS
d) 6 and 63;
4. 1;
5. 6 or 12, if a = 2; b = 4 or a = 5; b = 7
6. Yes
7. 1331:
Sum of odd places=1+3=4
Sum of even places:3+1=4
Difference=4-4=0.
It is divisible by 11.
30613:
Sum of odd places=3+6+3=12
Sum of even places:0+1=1
Difference=12-1=11.
It is divisible by 11.
15972:
Sum of odd places=1+9+2=12
Sum of even places:5+7=12
Difference=12-12=0.
It is divisible by 11.
11979:
Sum of odd places=1+9+9=19
Sum of even places:1+7=8
Difference=19-8=11.
It is divisible by 11.
8. 26 litres;
9. ₹ 750 each

10. P = 5, Q = 7

39
 CHAPTER 16
PLAYING WITH NUMBERS
11. A = 5
12. A = 8, B = 9
13. P = 1, Q = 5
14. A = 4, B = 3
15. A = 1, B = 6

40