A man has 1044 candles. After burning, he can make a new candle from 9 stubs left behind. Find the maximum number of candles that can be made.
Aptitude
Simplification
Difficulty: Medium
Choose an option
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A116
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B120
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C130
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D140
Answer
Correct Answer: 130
Explanation
### Concept & Logic
This problem requires an iterative calculation. Creating a new candle from stubs allows you to burn that newly created candle, which then leaves behind another stub. You must repeat the division process until the remaining stubs are fewer than the required amount (9) to make a new candle.
### Step-by-Step Solution
* **Initial Step:** The man burns 1044 candles. This leaves 1044 stubs.
* **First Remake:** Number of new candles made = $\frac{1044}{9} = 116$.
* He burns these 116 candles. This leaves 116 stubs.
* **Second Remake:** Number of new candles made = $\frac{116}{9} = 12$ new candles, with $8$ stubs left over.
* He burns these 12 candles, leaving 12 stubs.
* Total stubs available now = $12 \text{ (new)} + 8 \text{ (left over)} = 20$ stubs.
* **Third Remake:** Number of new candles made = $\frac{20}{9} = 2$ new candles, with $2$ stubs left over.
* He burns these 2 candles, leaving 2 stubs. Total stubs = $2 + 2 = 4$.
* Since $4 < 9$, no more candles can be made.
* **Total new candles:** $116 + 12 + 2 = 130$.
### Exam Strategy & Shortcut
Follow the chain of division carefully and maintain a running tally of remainders. Don't discard remainders until the very end, as combining them with new stubs often yields enough material for additional rounds.
### Common Pitfall
The most common mistake is stopping after the first division. Students calculate $\frac{1044}{9} = 116$ and select option (a). You must remember that newly created candles also leave stubs when burned!
### Final Answer
**Therefore, the correct answer is 130.**