value of n

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gibran: Senior | Next Rank: 100 Posts; Posts: 42; Joined: Sat Apr 12, 2008 8:51 am; Thanked: 1 times

value of n

by gibran » Mon May 19, 2008 11:36 am

If the number 52,1n9, where n represents the tens digit, is a multiple of 3, then the value of n could be which of the following?
A. 6
B. 5
C. 3
D. 1
E. 0

OA is D. Somebody please help to explain the steps.

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Source: Beat The GMAT — Problem Solving | Mon May 19, 2008 11:36 am

VP_Jim: GMAT Instructor; Posts: 1223; Joined: Thu May 01, 2008 3:29 pm; Location: Los Angeles, CA; Thanked: 185 times; Followed by:15 members

by VP_Jim » Mon May 19, 2008 11:52 am

For a number to be a multiple of 3, all of its digits have to add up to a number that is divisible by 3.

So:

5+2+1+x+9 = some number that is divisible by 3

Try plugging in the answers for x, and you'll find that "1" is the only answer choice that gives us a number that is divisible by 3.

Hope this helps!

Jim S. | GMAT Instructor | Veritas Prep