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# If n is the remainder when 250 is divided by 3 and m is the remainder

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If n is the remainder when 250 is divided by 3 and m is the remainder  [#permalink]

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27 Dec 2016, 08:01
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65% (hard)

Question Stats:

62% (02:02) correct 38% (02:17) wrong based on 315 sessions

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If n is the remainder when 2^50 is divided by 3 and m is the remainder when 2^15 is divided by 5, what is m + n?

A. 6
B. 5
C. 4
D. 3
E. 2

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If n is the remainder when 250 is divided by 3 and m is the remainder  [#permalink]

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27 Dec 2016, 10:41
3
4
There is repetitive pattern for remainders.
(2^1)/3 - Remainder is 2
(2^2)/3 - Remainder is 1
(2^3)/3 - Remainder is 2, and so on.
So for even powers, remainder is 1. Therefore remainder for (2^50)/3 is 1.

Similarly, we can observe a pattern for remainders when divided by 5.
(2^1)/5 - Remainder is 2
(2^2)/5 - Remainder is 4
(2^3)/5 - Remainder is 3
(2^4)/5 - Remainder is 1
(2^5)/5 - Remainder is 2
(2^6)/5 - Remainder is 4
(2^7)/5 - Remainder is 3
We can see that there is a pattern of 2,4,3,1. So remainder for (2^15)/5 is 3.

Therefore m+n = 1+3 = 4.

Option C is the right answer.

This is my first answer on a forum. If it helped you out, please leave a kudos.
##### General Discussion
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Re: If n is the remainder when 250 is divided by 3 and m is the remainder  [#permalink]

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27 Dec 2016, 09:53
1
Bunuel wrote:
If n is the remainder when 2^50 is divided by 3 and m is the remainder when 2^15 is divided by 5, what is m + n?

A. 6
B. 5
C. 4
D. 3
E. 2

2 = -1 (mod 3)

$$\frac{2^{50}}{3} = \frac{(-1)^{50}}{3} = \frac{1}{3}$$ remainder 1

$$2^4$$ = 1 (mod 5)

$$\frac{(2^4)^3*2^3}{5} = \frac{1*8}{5}$$ remainder 3

1 + 3 = 4

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Re: If n is the remainder when 250 is divided by 3 and m is the remainder  [#permalink]

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27 Dec 2016, 10:53
1
Bunuel wrote:
If n is the remainder when 2^50 is divided by 3 and m is the remainder when 2^15 is divided by 5, what is m + n?

A. 6
B. 5
C. 4
D. 3
E. 2

$$\frac{2^4}{3}$$ = Remainder 1
So, $$2^{50} = 2^{4*12}*2^2$$

Now, $$\frac{2^2}{3}$$ = Remainder 1

So, m = 1

$$\frac{2^4}{5}$$ = Remainder 1
So, $$2^{15} = 2^{4*3}*2^3$$

$$\frac{2^3}{5}$$ = Remainder 3

So, n = 3

Hence, $$m + n = 1 + 3 = 4$$

Hence, Correct answer will be (C) 4
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Joined: 04 Jan 2017
Posts: 12
Re: If n is the remainder when 250 is divided by 3 and m is the remainder  [#permalink]

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15 Jan 2017, 03:03
Hi,

I don´t quite understand the following

243243 = Remainder 1
So, 250=24∗12∗22250=24∗12∗22

Now, 223223 = Remainder 1

So, m = 1

245245 = Remainder 1
So, 215=24∗3∗23215=24∗3∗23

235235 = Remainder 3

So, n = 3

Hence, m+n=1+3=4m+n=1+3=4

Can anyone expand the explanation?

Thanks
Manager
Joined: 28 Jul 2016
Posts: 134
Re: If n is the remainder when 250 is divided by 3 and m is the remainder  [#permalink]

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29 Mar 2017, 05:12
KatariaP wrote:
There is repetitive pattern for remainders.
(2^1)/3 - Remainder is 2
(2^2)/3 - Remainder is 1
(2^3)/3 - Remainder is 2, and so on.
So for even powers, remainder is 1. Therefore remainder for (2^50)/3 is 1.

Similarly, we can observe a pattern for remainders when divided by 5.
(2^1)/5 - Remainder is 2
(2^2)/5 - Remainder is 4
(2^3)/5 - Remainder is 3
(2^4)/5 - Remainder is 1
(2^5)/5 - Remainder is 2
(2^6)/5 - Remainder is 4
(2^7)/5 - Remainder is 3
We can see that there is a pattern of 2,4,3,1. So remainder for (2^15)/5 is 3.

Therefore m+n = 1+3 = 4.

Option C is the right answer.

This is my first answer on a forum. If it helped you out, please leave a kudos.

Great solution! Thanks!
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Re: If n is the remainder when 250 is divided by 3 and m is the remainder  [#permalink]

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31 Mar 2017, 11:33
Bunuel wrote:
If n is the remainder when 2^50 is divided by 3 and m is the remainder when 2^15 is divided by 5, what is m + n?

A. 6
B. 5
C. 4
D. 3
E. 2

Let’s determine the remainder pattern when 2 raised to an exponent is divided by 3.

(2^1)/3 = 0 remainder 2

(2^2)/3 = 4/3 = 1 remainder 1

(2^3)/3 = 8/3 = 2 remainder 2

(2^4)/3 = 16/3 = 5 remainder 1

When 2 is raised to an even exponent and is divided by 3, a remainder of 1 results. Thus, 2^50 divided by 3 has a remainder of 1.

Next we can determine the remainder when 2^15 is divided by 5. To do so, we recall that the units digit of any number divided by 5 will produce the same remainder as when the actual number is divided by 5. Thus, let’s determine the units digit of 2^15. The pattern of units digits of the base of 2 when raised to an exponent is:

2^1 = 2

2^2 = 4

2^3 = 8

2^4 = 6

2^5 = 2

We see the pattern is 2-4-8-6, and furthermore that 2^4k, in which k is a positive integer, will always have a units digit of 6.

Thus, the units digit of 2^16 = 6 and so the units digit of 2^15 = 8. Dividing 8 by 5 yields a remainder of 3; thus, dividing 2^15 by 5 also yields a remainder of 3.

Therefore, m + n = 3 + 1 = 4.

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If n is the remainder when 250 is divided by 3 and m is the remainder  [#permalink]

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31 Mar 2017, 13:13
Bunuel wrote:
If n is the remainder when 2^50 is divided by 3 and m is the remainder when 2^15 is divided by 5, what is m + n?

A. 6
B. 5
C. 4
D. 3
E. 2

Solution

Solution

• When $$2^{50}$$ is divided by $$3$$ the remainder is n. Let us find this “$$n$$”.

o $$\frac{2^{50}}{3} = \frac{(2^2)^{25}}{30} = \frac{4^{25}}{3}$$

o We know when 4 is divided by 3, the remainder is 1.

o Thus $$n = [\frac{4^{25}}{3}]_R = (1^{25}) = 1$$

• When $$2^{15}$$ is divided by $$5$$, the remainder is $$m$$.

o $$\frac{2^{15}}{5} = \frac{[(2^4)^3 * 2^3]}{5}$$

o We know that when 16 is divided by 5 the remainder 1 and 8 divided by 5, the remainder is 3

o Thus, $$m = [\frac{16^3}{5}]_R * [\frac{8}{5}]_R = 1 * 3 = 3$$

• Therefore, $$m+n = 1 + 3 = 4$$

• Correct answer is Option C.

Thanks,
Saquib
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Location: India
Re: If n is the remainder when 250 is divided by 3 and m is the remainder  [#permalink]

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06 Apr 2018, 10:38
1
243243 = Remainder 1
So, 250=24∗12∗22250=24∗12∗22

Now, 223223 = Remainder 1

So, m = 1

245245 = Remainder 1
So, 215=24∗3∗23215=24∗3∗23

235235 = Remainder 3

So, n = 3
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Re: If n is the remainder when 250 is divided by 3 and m is the remainder  [#permalink]

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08 Apr 2018, 05:50
1
2 = -1 (mod 3)

2503=(−1)503=132503=(−1)503=13 remainder 1

2424 = 1 (mod 5)

(24)3∗235=1∗85(24)3∗235=1∗85 remainder 3

1 + 3 = 4

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If n is the remainder when 250 is divided by 3 and m is the remainder  [#permalink]

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29 Apr 2018, 08:50
Hello VeritasPrepKarishma and mikemcgarry,
I solved this problem by identifying the pattern however my error was that i started from 2^0 thus resulting in a different numbering of the sequence. When to consider starting from the zero pattern and when not to?
Thank you.
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Re: If n is the remainder when 250 is divided by 3 and m is the remainder  [#permalink]

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29 Apr 2018, 09:09
afa13 wrote:
Hello VeritasPrepKarishma and mikemcgarry,
I solved this problem by identifying the pattern however my error was that i started from 2^0 thus resulting in a different numbering of the sequence. When to consider starting from the zero pattern and when not to?
Thank you.

Hi afa13

if you are solving this question using the remainder pattern method and you are starting with $$2^0$$, then note that $$2^0=1$$ and $$\frac{1}{3}$$, the remainder will be $$1$$ and next $$2^1=2$$ when divided by 3 will have a remainder of 2 and so on

can you explain what sequence you were getting with your method
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Re: If n is the remainder when 250 is divided by 3 and m is the remainder  [#permalink]

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29 Apr 2018, 09:21
1
afa13 wrote:
Hello VeritasPrepKarishma and mikemcgarry,
I solved this problem by identifying the pattern however my error was that i started from 2^0 thus resulting in a different numbering of the sequence. When to consider starting from the zero pattern and when not to?
Thank you.

Hey afa13,

Ideally in a remainder question, one should never start with 0 as power. Because any number raised to 0 will be equal to 1 and any number which divides 1 (other than 1 itself) always gives the remainder as 1.
For example:- $$\frac{1}{20}$$ = 1 , $$\frac{1}{21}$$= 1

So, whenever you want to solve a reminder question to find the pattern, always start from 1 as $$x^0$$changes the number.
We want the pattern with 2 in this case... $$2^0$$ is not 2..hence we won't be able to see the pattern.

Hope this helps.
Regards
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Re: If n is the remainder when 250 is divided by 3 and m is the remainder  [#permalink]

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29 Apr 2018, 09:32
Hi niks18,
I was getting the same pattern1-2-1-2 and 1-2-4-3 but since i was starting with 2^0 instead of 2^1 m and n changed. I should have gotten 2-1-2-1 and 2-4-3-1 patterns. But as EgmatQuantExpert, not to start with 0.
Thanks niks18 and EgmatQuantExpert for answering.
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If n is the remainder when 250 is divided by 3 and m is the remainder  [#permalink]

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29 Apr 2018, 10:22
Bunuel wrote:
If n is the remainder when 2^50 is divided by 3 and m is the remainder when 2^15 is divided by 5, what is m + n?

A. 6
B. 5
C. 4
D. 3
E. 2

there are 4 units digit values for the exponent cycle of 2: 2,4,8,6
50/4 gives remainder of 2➡2nd value in cycle is 4
remainder of 4/3=1=n
15/4 gives a remainder of 3➡3rd value in cycle is 8
remainder of 8/5=3=m
3+1=4
C
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Re: If n is the remainder when 250 is divided by 3 and m is the remainder  [#permalink]

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29 Apr 2018, 10:50
EgmatQuantExpert wrote:
Bunuel wrote:
If n is the remainder when 2^50 is divided by 3 and m is the remainder when 2^15 is divided by 5, what is m + n?

A. 6
B. 5
C. 4
D. 3
E. 2

Solution

Solution

• When $$2^{50}$$ is divided by $$3$$ the remainder is n. Let us find this “$$n$$”.

o $$\frac{2^{50}}{3} = \frac{(2^2)^{25}}{30} = \frac{4^{25}}{3}$$

o We know when 4 is divided by 3, the remainder is 1.

o Thus $$n = [\frac{4^{25}}{3}]_R = (1^{25}) = 1$$

• When $$2^{15}$$ is divided by $$5$$, the remainder is $$m$$.

o $$\frac{2^{15}}{5} = \frac{[(2^4)^3 * 2^3]}{5}$$

o We know that when 16 is divided by 5 the remainder 1 and 8 divided by 5, the remainder is 3

o Thus, $$m = [\frac{16^3}{5}]_R * [\frac{8}{5}]_R = 1 * 3 = 3$$

• Therefore, $$m+n = 1 + 3 = 4$$

• Correct answer is Option C.

Thanks,
Saquib
Quant Expert
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EgmatQuantExpert - thanks for sharing this solution.
Looks like you did the following:
1) Reduce the problem by converting the base to numbers greater than the divisor
2) Find the remainder when these base(s) are divided by the divisor
3) multiplied the remainders together

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Re: If n is the remainder when 250 is divided by 3 and m is the remainder  [#permalink]

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29 Apr 2018, 11:58
apply rule of cyclicity. m+n would be 4.
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Re: If n is the remainder when 250 is divided by 3 and m is the remainder  [#permalink]

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29 Apr 2018, 11:59
dracobook wrote:
EgmatQuantExpert wrote:
Bunuel wrote:
If n is the remainder when 2^50 is divided by 3 and m is the remainder when 2^15 is divided by 5, what is m + n?

A. 6
B. 5
C. 4
D. 3
E. 2

Solution

Solution

• When $$2^{50}$$ is divided by $$3$$ the remainder is n. Let us find this “$$n$$”.

o $$\frac{2^{50}}{3} = \frac{(2^2)^{25}}{30} = \frac{4^{25}}{3}$$

o We know when 4 is divided by 3, the remainder is 1.

o Thus $$n = [\frac{4^{25}}{3}]_R = (1^{25}) = 1$$

• When $$2^{15}$$ is divided by $$5$$, the remainder is $$m$$.

o $$\frac{2^{15}}{5} = \frac{[(2^4)^3 * 2^3]}{5}$$

o We know that when 16 is divided by 5 the remainder 1 and 8 divided by 5, the remainder is 3

o Thus, $$m = [\frac{16^3}{5}]_R * [\frac{8}{5}]_R = 1 * 3 = 3$$

• Therefore, $$m+n = 1 + 3 = 4$$

• Correct answer is Option C.

Thanks,
Saquib
Quant Expert
e-GMAT

Aiming to score Q50 or higher in GMAT Quant? Attend this webinar on 2nd April to learn a structured approach to solve 700+ Number Properties question in less than 2 minutes. Register

EgmatQuantExpert - thanks for sharing this solution.
Looks like you did the following:
1) Reduce the problem by converting the base to numbers greater than the divisor
2) Find the remainder when these base(s) are divided by the divisor
3) multiplied the remainders together

Hey dracobook

We teach these concepts in our live sessions and concept files...which our paid students can access.
However, in short, you can follow these steps to solve any remainder question:
1- Look for a power p, such that N^p when divided by D, gives remainder 1 or -1
2- Once you have that..see much power is still left to resolve.

For example: In this case, if we have $$2^{51}$$ instead of $$2^{50}$$, we would have had $$(2^2)^{25}$$ * $$2^1$$, which means we will get 1 * $$2^1$$
Finally, we multiply remainders to get our answer.

Note: There can be some slight variations also..which I have not mentioned here.
Give us some time..we will try to write a short article on this and you can also buy our quant course to learn more about Number Properties and other topics.

Regards,
Ashutosh
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Re: If n is the remainder when 250 is divided by 3 and m is the remainder &nbs [#permalink] 29 Apr 2018, 11:59
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