GMATPrepNow
x and y are positive integers. When 16x is divided by y, the quotient is x, and the remainder is 4. What is the sum of all possible y-values?
A) 7
B) 12
C) 19
D) 26
E) 41
There's a nice rule that say, "
If N divided by D equals Q with remainder R, then N = DQ + R"
For example, since 17 divided by 5 equals 3 with remainder 2, then we can write 17 = (5)(3) + 2
Likewise, since 53 divided by 10 equals 5 with remainder 3, then we can write 53 = (10)(5) + 3
------NOW ONTO THE QUESTION------------------------------
When 16x is divided by y, the quotient is x, and the remainder is 4.Applying the above rule, we can write: 16x = (y)(x) + 4
Subtract xy from both sides: 16x - xy = 4
Factor: x(16 - y) = 4
Since x and (16 - y) are both positive integers, there are 3 possible solutions:
#1: x = 1 and (16 - y) = 4, in which case y =
12 #2: x = 2 and (16 - y) = 2, in which case y =
14 #3: x = 4 and (16 - y) = 1, in which case y =
15What is the sum of all possible y-values? SUM =
12 +
14 +
15 = 41
Answer: E
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