What least value must be given to $n$ so that the number $6135n2$ becomes divisible by 9?
Aptitude
Number System
Difficulty: Easy
Choose an option
-
A1
-
B2
-
C3
-
D4
Answer
Correct Answer: 1
Explanation
### Concept & Formula
The divisibility rule for $9$ states that a number is perfectly divisible by $9$ if and only if the sum of all its digits is a multiple of $9$.
### Step-by-Step Solution
* **Given Number:** $6135n2$, where $n$ is a single-digit integer ($0 \le n \le 9$).
* Calculate the sum of the known digits:
$$\text{Sum} = 6 + 1 + 3 + 5 + n + 2$$
$$\text{Sum} = 17 + n$$
* For the entire number to be divisible by $9$, the expression $(17 + n)$ must equal a multiple of $9$.
* The multiples of $9$ are $9, 18, 27, 36, \dots$
* Since $n$ must be a positive, single-digit value, the closest multiple of $9$ greater than or equal to $17$ is $18$.
* Set up the equation to find the least value:
$$17 + n = 18$$
$$n = 18 - 17 = 1$$
### Exam Strategy & Shortcut
**Casting out Nines:** Ignore any digits that sum to $9$ while adding.
In $6135n2$: $(6+3)=9$ (cast out).
Remaining digits: $1 + 5 + 2 = 8$.
We need $8 + n$ to equal $9$. Therefore, $n = 1$. This saves precious calculation time.
### Common Pitfall
A common mistake is skipping over zero when checking for least values. Always remember $0$ is a valid digit. If the sum had been exactly $18$ without $n$, the least value for $n$ would be $0$, not $9$. However, here $17+n=18$, so $n=1$.
### Final Answer
Therefore, the correct answer is **1**.