Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: 1607
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
This is a classic perfect square identification problem wrapped in a money context. If n people each pay n rupees, the total collected equals n^2 rupees. We must find n when n^2 is known.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
If n^2 is given, then n is the positive square root of the total. Compute √2,582,449 exactly by estimation and checking near square numbers around 1600^2.
Step-by-Step Solution:
1600^2 = 2,560,000 (slightly low).Check 1607^2 = 2,560,000 + 2*1600*7 + 7^2 = 2,560,000 + 22,400 + 49 = 2,582,449.Therefore, n = 1607.
Verification / Alternative check:
A quick calculator or binomial expansion (a + b)^2 confirms 1607^2 = 2,582,449. Hence the count is exact.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Numbers like 1603, 1503, 1291 are not exact square roots for this total; their squares will not match the given amount.
Common Pitfalls:
Mixing up n^2 with n×(n−1), or approximating the square root without a final exact check can lead to off-by-one mistakes.
Final Answer:
1607
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