Maths : Basic Numeracy

Q 96 / 370

UPSC CSE Prelims 2023

How many natural numbers are there which give a remainder of 31 when 1186 is divided by these natural numbers?

EXPLANATION

Correct Option (C)

To determine the natural numbers that yield a remainder of 31 when 1186 is divided by them, we apply the division algorithm. If a natural number d divides 1186 and leaves a remainder of 31, then it must satisfy the condition:

1186=q×d+31

where q is the quotient and d > 31. The condition d > 31 is essential because the remainder must always be strictly less than the divisor.

Rearranging the equation, we get:

1186−31=q×d

1155=q×d

This implies that d must be a divisor of 1155. We need to identify all positive divisors of 1155 that are greater than 31.

First, we find the prime factorization of 1155:

1155=3×5×7×11

The divisors of 1155 are formed by combining these prime factors. We then select only those divisors that are greater than 31:

  • 3×11=33
  • 5×7=35
  • 5×11=55
  • 7×11=77
  • 3×5×7=105
  • 3×7×11=231
  • 5×7×11=385
  • 3×5×7×11=1155

Counting these numbers, we find there are 8 such natural numbers that satisfy the given conditions.

Incorrect Options:

Options (A) 6, (B) 7, and (D) 9 are incorrect because a systematic calculation of the divisors of 1155 that are strictly greater than 31 yields exactly 8 numbers. Any other count would result from an incomplete or incorrect identification of the valid divisors or a misapplication of the remainder condition.