How many 3-digit numbers are completely divisible by 6?
Aptitude
Number System
Difficulty: Easy
Choose an option
-
A149
-
B150
-
C151
-
D166
Answer
Correct Answer: 150
Explanation
### Concept & Formula
To find the count of numbers in an Arithmetic Progression (A.P.) that are divisible by a certain number, we first identify the smallest and largest numbers in that range divisible by the target number.
The number of terms $n$ in an A.P. is calculated using the formula:
$$n = \frac{L - A}{D} + 1$$
Where:
* $L$ = Last term
* $A$ = First term
* $D$ = Common difference
### Step-by-Step Solution
* **Given:** The range is all 3-digit numbers, which spans from $100$ to $999$. The divisor is $6$.
* **Step 1: Find the first 3-digit number divisible by 6.**
Divide $100$ by $6$. The remainder is $4$.
To make it divisible by $6$, we must add $(6 - 4) = 2$.
So, the first term $A = 100 + 2 = 102$.
* **Step 2: Find the last 3-digit number divisible by 6.**
Divide $999$ by $6$. The remainder is $3$.
Subtract the remainder from $999$ to get the largest multiple.
So, the last term $L = 999 - 3 = 996$.
* **Step 3: Calculate the total number of terms.**
Using the A.P. formula with $D = 6$:
$$n = \frac{996 - 102}{6} + 1$$
$$n = \frac{894}{6} + 1$$
$$n = 149 + 1 = 150$$
### Exam Strategy & Shortcut
For any range starting from $1$ to $N$, the number of multiples of $X$ is simply the integer part of $\frac{N}{X}$.
To find multiples specifically for 3-digit numbers, subtract the multiples up to $99$ from the multiples up to $999$:
Multiples up to $999 = \lfloor \frac{999}{6} \rfloor = 166$
Multiples up to $99 = \lfloor \frac{99}{6} \rfloor = 16$
Total = $166 - 16 = 150$. This is much faster than finding the exact boundary terms!
### Common Pitfall
Students often forget to add $1$ at the end of the A.P. formula, calculating $\frac{L - A}{D}$ and stopping there, which leads to selecting $149$ instead of $150$. Always remember that inclusive boundary counting requires the $+1$.
### Final Answer
**Therefore, the correct answer is 150.**