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rakeshd347
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Hi rakeshd347,
This DS question has a great little Number Property behind it, although most people don't realize it. Sometimes the best way to figure out that a pattern exists is to PROVE it.
Here, we're told that N is a NON-NEGATIVE integer (so it can be either 0 or a positive integer). We're asked if (10^N) + 8 is evenly divisible by 18? This is a Yes/No question.
I'm going to show you the pattern right up front:
If N = 0, then 10^0 + 8 = 9 and the answer is NO
If N = 1, then 10^1 + 8 = 18 and the answer is YES
If N = 2, then 10^2 + 8 = 108 and the answer is YES (pattern: 108 = 18 + 90)
If N = 3, then 10^3 + 8 = 1008 and the answer is YES (pattern: 1008 = 108 + 900)
If N = 4, then 10^4 + 8 = 10008 and the answer is YES (pattern: 10008 = 1008 + 9000)
18 divides evenly into 90, so it divides into 900, 9000, etc.
As N gets bigger, each total = a multiple of 90 + the prior total, so 18 will ALWAYS divide evenly into the total. The "exception" is when N = 0.
Fact 1: N is prime.
We have proof (in the above list) that the answer is ALWAYS YES.
Fact 1 is SUFFICIENT
Fact 2: N is even
If N = 0, then the answer is NO
If N = 2, then the answer is YES
Fact 2 is INSUFFICIENT
Final Answer: A
GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich














