To determine if the sum of the first hundred positive integers is divisible by 2, 4, or 8, we can analyze the pattern of the sum.
The sum of the first n positive integers can be calculated using the formula: sum = n * (n + 1) / 2.
Let's consider each option:
I. 2: If a number is divisible by 2, it means it is even. The sum of the first hundred positive integers is 100 * (100 + 1) / 2 = 5050. Since 5050 is an even number, it is divisible by 2.
II. 4: If a number is divisible by 4, it means it is even and divisible by 2 twice. The sum of the first hundred positive integers is 5050. Dividing 5050 by 2 gives us 2525. Since 2525 is not divisible by 2, the sum is not divisible by 4.
III. 8: If a number is divisible by 8, it means it is even and divisible by 2 three times. The sum of the first hundred positive integers is 5050. Dividing 5050 by 2 repeatedly gives us 2525, 1262, and 631. Since 631 is not divisible by 2, the sum is not divisible by 8.
From the analysis, we can see that the sum of the first hundred positive integers is divisible by 2 (option I) but not divisible by 4 (option II) or 8 (option III).
Therefore, the answer is (A) I only.