On dividing $15968$ by a certain number, the quotient is $89$ and the remainder is $37$. Find the divisor.
Aptitude
Number System
Difficulty: Easy
Choose an option
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A169
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B178
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C179
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D189
Answer
Correct Answer: 179
Explanation
### Concept & Formula
The problem relies on the fundamental division algorithm, which relates the four components of division:
$$ \text{Dividend} = (\text{Divisor} \times \text{Quotient}) + \text{Remainder} $$
### Step-by-Step Solution
**Given:**
* Dividend = $15968$
* Quotient = $89$
* Remainder = $37$
**Calculation / Deduction:**
* We need to isolate the Divisor. Rearranging the division formula:
$$ \text{Divisor} = \frac{\text{Dividend} - \text{Remainder}}{\text{Quotient}} $$
* Substitute the given values into the formula:
$$ \text{Divisor} = \frac{15968 - 37}{89} $$
* Subtract the remainder from the dividend:
$$ \text{Divisor} = \frac{15931}{89} $$
* Perform the division: $15931 \div 89 = 179$.
### Exam Strategy & Shortcut
To avoid long division, use the unit digit method to identify the correct option. The numerator $15931$ ends in $1$. The denominator $89$ ends in $9$. You need a number that, when multiplied by $9$, gives a unit digit of $1$. Since $9 \times 9 = 81$, the divisor must end in $9$. If only one option ends in $9$, pick it instantly. If multiple do, use quick approximation ($16000 \div 90 \approx 177$), pointing directly to $179$.
### Common Pitfall
A common mistake is forgetting to subtract the remainder before dividing (i.e., doing $15968 \div 89$), which will result in a messy decimal and cause confusion during the exam.
### Final Answer
Therefore, the correct answer is 179.