In the product 75? × 49 × 867 × 943, the units digit of the result is 1. Determine the missing digit ? in 75?.

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:

  • Number forms: 75? has units digit d (unknown).
  • Units digits of the other factors: 49 → 9, 867 → 7, 943 → 3.
  • The final product’s units digit equals 1.


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:

Let d be the units digit of 75?.Multiply known units: 9 * 7 = 63 → units 3.Then 3 * 3 = 9 → units 9.Overall units before including d: 9.We need d * 9 ≡ 1 (mod 10). Since 9 ≡ −1 (mod 10), this gives −d ≡ 1 → d ≡ 9 (mod 10).Hence d = 9.


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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