Foundation
Mathematics Foundation
HCF and LCM
Properties of Real Number
nth term of AP
Question

Find the largest positive integer that will divide 398,436 and 542 leaving remainders 7,11 and 15 respectively.

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Solution
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 It is given that on dividing 398 by the required number, there is a remainder of 7.
This means that 398 − 7 = 391 is exactly divisible by the required number. In other words required number is a factor of 391.

Similarly, required positive integer is a factor of 436 − 11 = 425 and 542 − 15 = 527.
Clearly, required number is the HCF of 391,425 and 527.
Using the factor theorem the prime factorizations of 391,425 and 527 are as follows:

391 = 17 × 23, 425 = 5× 17 and 527 = 17 × 31

∴  HCF of 391,425 and 527 is 17
Hence, required number = 17