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Apply divisibility rules

Divisibility means that a whole number can be divided by another whole number with no remainder, so the divisor is a factor of the dividend. Using place-value and digit-sum reasoning, learners apply tests for 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, and 10, including recognizing that a number may satisfy several tests; more generalized divisibility methods, such as modular arithmetic or tests for arbitrary divisors, are beyond this scope.

Detailed Explanation: Apply divisibility rules

A number is divisible by another number if the division has no remainder. For example, if (24÷6=4)(24 \div 6=4), then (24)(24) is divisible by 66, and 66 is a factor of (24)(24).

Use these divisibility rules:

  • 2: The last digit is even: (0,2,4,6,)(0,2,4,6,) or 88.
  • 3: The sum of the digits is divisible by 33.
  • 4: The last two digits form a number divisible by 44.
  • 5: The last digit is 00 or 55.
  • 6: The number is divisible by both 22 and 33.
  • 8: The last three digits form a number divisible by 88.
  • 9: The sum of the digits is divisible by 99.
  • 10: The last digit is 00.

Worked example

Determine which of (2,3,4,5,6,8,9,)(2,3,4,5,6,8,9,) and (10)(10) divide (3,240)(3{,}240).

  1. Test for 22:
    The last digit is 00, which is even.
    So, (3,240)(3{,}240) is divisible by 22.

  2. Test for 33:
    Add the digits:

3+2+4+0=9 3+2+4+0=9

Since 99 is divisible by 33, (3,240)(3{,}240) is divisible by 33.

  1. Test for 44:
    Look at the last two digits: (40)(40).
    Since (40÷4=10)(40\div4=10), (3,240)(3{,}240) is divisible by 44.

  2. Test for 55:
    The last digit is 00, so (3,240)(3{,}240) is divisible by 55.

  3. Test for 66:
    The number is divisible by both 22 and 33, so it is divisible by 66.

  4. Test for 88:
    Look at the last three digits: (240)(240).
    Since (240÷8=30)(240\div8=30), (3,240)(3{,}240) is divisible by 88.

  5. Test for 99:
    The digit sum is 99, and 99 is divisible by 99.
    Therefore, (3,240)(3{,}240) is divisible by 99.

  6. Test for (10)(10):
    The last digit is 00, so (3,240)(3{,}240) is divisible by (10)(10).

Therefore, (3,240)(3{,}240) is divisible by all eight numbers:

2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, and 10.2,\ 3,\ 4,\ 5,\ 6,\ 8,\ 9,\text{ and }10.

A number can satisfy several divisibility tests at the same time.

Learn by doing: Apply divisibility rules

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Divisibility Rules (Medium) - Dividend to Yes/No


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