Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: 9
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
Determining a missing units digit often relies on modular arithmetic base 10. Only the units digits of the factors affect the final units digit of a product, which allows a compact calculation without full multiplication.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
Compute the product of units digits modulo 10. Multiply progressively and keep only the last digit. Then solve for d such that d * (last-digit-product) ≡ 1 (mod 10). This uses the idea of multiplicative inverses modulo 10 for the final stage.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Verification / Alternative check:
Replace ? with 9: units(759 * 49 * 867 * 943) = units(9 * 9 * 7 * 3) = units(9 * 9) = 1 after full modular multiplication, confirming the requirement.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Digits 1, 3, 5, or 7 fail d * 9 ≡ 1 (mod 10); their products have units 9, 7, 5, and 3 respectively, not 1.
Common Pitfalls:
Multiplying entire numbers unnecessarily or forgetting that only units digits matter for determining the final units digit.
Final Answer:
9
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