If 2 is the remainder when m is divided by 5, what is the remainder wh...
Step 1: Analyze the Question
This question tests our ability to think critically about the characteristics of remainders in division We are told that some number, m, has a remainder of 2 when divided by 5.
Step 2: State the Task
We can use our knowledge of number properties to take a particularly strategic approach to this problem. The key will be to pick simple, permissible numbers and apply them to the problem in the question stem.
Step 3: Approach Strategically
Ask yourself what numbers would be permissible for m. Since m has a remainder of 2 when divided by 5, m could be any number 2 greater than a multiple of 5. The simplest number to substitute for m is 7. We know that 5 goes into 7 one time with a remainder of 2. Now, apply 7 to the rest of the question stem: 3 m divided by 5. Well, 3 x 7 = 21, and 21 divided by 5 would leave a remainder of 1. That's (B). Picking Numbers is the most efficient approach to this common GMAT question type.
Step 4: Confirm Your Answer
To double-check your work, you could test any other permissible number for m: 12, 17, 22, etc. If you tried 12, you would find that 3 x 12 = 36 and 36 divided by 5 leaves a remainder of 1. This confirms that (B) is the correct choice.
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If 2 is the remainder when m is divided by 5, what is the remainder wh...
Understanding the Problem
To solve the problem, we first need to analyze the relationship between m and 5 based on the given information.
Given Condition
- When m is divided by 5, the remainder is 2.
- This can be expressed mathematically as: m = 5k + 2, where k is some integer.
Finding 3m
Now, we need to determine what happens when we multiply m by 3.
- 3m = 3(5k + 2)
- Breaking this down, we get:
- 3m = 15k + 6
Finding the Remainder
Next, we need to find the remainder when 3m is divided by 5.
- We can focus on 15k + 6:
- The term 15k is divisible by 5, so it contributes a remainder of 0.
- Now, we only need to consider the number 6.
To find the remainder of 6 when divided by 5:
- 6 divided by 5 equals 1 with a remainder of 1.
Final Conclusion
Therefore, the remainder when 3m is divided by 5 is 1.
Answer
The correct answer is option 'B'.