BREAKING: Target Test Prep releases Brand New 2026 On Demand GMAT prep course

Redeem

Number system

Expert replies
Source: — Problem Solving |

by Anju@Gurome » Mon Apr 22, 2013 2:06 am
vipulgoyal wrote:N is an integer, r is the remainder when (N-1)(N+1) is divided by 24. r=?

1) N is not a multiple of 2
2) N is not a multiple of 3
Statement 1: This means N is odd.
So, both (N - 1) and (N + 1) are two consecutive even integers.
--> exactly one of (N - 1) and (N + 1) is a multiple of 4
--> (N - 1)(N + 1) is divisible by 8

This doesn't help us to identify r as r can have different values depending upon whether (N - 1)(N + 1) is divisible by 3 or not.

Not sufficient

Statement 2: Exactly one among three consecutive integers is divisible by 3.
As N is not divisible by 3, either (N - 1) or (N + 1) is divisible by 3.
So, (N - 1)(N + 1) is divisible by 3.

This doesn't help us to identify r as r can have different values depending upon whether (N - 1)(N + 1) is divisible by 8 or not.

Not sufficient

1 & 2 Together: Now we know that (N - 1)(N + 1) is divisible by both 3 and 8.
Hence, r = 0

Sufficient

The correct answer is C.
Anju Agarwal
Quant Expert, Gurome

Backup Methods : General guide on plugging, estimation etc.
Wavy Curve Method : Solving complex inequalities in a matter of seconds.

§ GMAT with Gurome § Admissions with Gurome § Career Advising with Gurome §
Join the discussion

by vipulgoyal » Mon Apr 22, 2013 2:15 am
what if N = 1

0x1x2 / 24
Join the discussion

by Anju@Gurome » Mon Apr 22, 2013 2:32 am
vipulgoyal wrote:what if N = 1

0x1x2 / 24
Zero is divisible by any integer you can think of except zero.
Hence, zero leaves a remainder of zero when divided by any integer other than zero.
Anju Agarwal
Quant Expert, Gurome

Backup Methods : General guide on plugging, estimation etc.
Wavy Curve Method : Solving complex inequalities in a matter of seconds.

§ GMAT with Gurome § Admissions with Gurome § Career Advising with Gurome §
Join the discussion

by vipulgoyal » Mon Apr 22, 2013 2:53 am
Thanks once again, I thought 0/24 gives reminder 24
Join the discussion