Multiple choice

Two numbers when divided by a certain divisor leave remainders 4375 and 2986 respectively, but when the sum of the two numbers is divided by the same divisor, the remainder is 2361. What is the divisor?

  1. 5000

  2. 4050

  3. 4000

  4. 4500

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A Correct answer
Explanation

Let n be the divisor and the numbers be a and b. We have a ≡ 4375 (mod n) and b ≡ 2986 (mod n). So (a+b) ≡ 4375+2986 ≡ 7361 (mod n). But we're told (a+b) ≡ 2361 (mod n). Therefore 7361 ≡ 2361 (mod n), meaning n divides (7361-2361) = 5000. Since n > 4375 (remainder must be less than divisor), n = 5000.