Multiple choice

When a positive integer (n) is divided by 5, the remainder is 2. What is the remainder when the number (3n) is divided by 5?

  1. 1

  2. 2

  3. 3

  4. 4
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A Correct answer
Explanation

When n leaves remainder 2 when divided by 5, we can write n = 5k + 2 for some integer k. Then 3n = 3(5k + 2) = 15k + 6 = 5(3k + 1) + 1. This means when 3n is divided by 5, the remainder is 1. Alternatively, simply multiply the remainder: 3 × 2 = 6, and 6 ÷ 5 leaves remainder 1.

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