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If n is an integer and n^4 is divisible by 32, which of the following could be the remainder when n is divided by 32?(A) 2(B) 4(C) 5(D) 6(E) 10

User Tomsgu
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1 Answer

7 votes

Answer: B) 4

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Step-by-step explanation:

"n^4 is divisible by 32" means 32k = n^4 for some integer k.

In other words, 32 is a factor of n^4.

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Do a bit of algebraic transformations to get the following

32k = n^4

16*2k = n^4

2^4*2k = n^4

2k = (n^4)/(2^4)

2k = (n/2)^4

This shows that (n/2)^4 is an even number.

Consequently, (n/2)^2 must also be even. If it were odd, then we'd have odd*odd = odd which would be contradictory to (n/2)^4 being even. Furthermore, this means n/2 is even as well.

The logic chain is

(n/2)^4 is even --> (n/2)^2 is even --> n/2 is even

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Because n/2 is an even integer, this means

n/2 = 2m for some integer m

Multiply both sides by 2

n/2 = 2m

2*n/2 = 2*2m

n = 4m .... we'll use this later

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Now let's divide n over 32 and seek out the remainder r. Let q be the quotient.

n/32 = q + r/32

The quotient is the whole part and the remainder is the fractional part leftover.

Multiply both sides by 32 so we clear out the fractions

n/32 = q + r/32

32(n/32) = 32(q + r/32)

32(n/32) = 32(q) + 32(r/32)

n = 32q + r

So n is some multiple of 32 plus the remainder r.

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Solve for r and plug in n = 4m

n = 32q + r

32q + r = n

r + 32q = n

r = n-32q

r = 4m-32q ... plug in n = 4m

r = 4(m-8q) ... factor out the GCF

r = 4p ... where p = m-8q is an integer

We see that r is a multiple of 4

Therefore, the only possible remainders are 0, 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, and 28

note: after we get to r = 32, the remainder becomes 0 and the pattern of (0,4,8,...) repeats again.

Of the answer choices listed, only choice B is a multiple of 4. So this is why choice B is the answer.

User Diado
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