Ctrl+k

Use divisibility rules for 2, 3, 5, 9, and 10

A whole number is divisible by 2, 5, or 10 based on its ones digit: it must be even, end in 0 or 5, or end in 0, respectively. Divisibility by 3 or 9 is determined by whether the sum of the decimal digits is divisible by 3 or 9, connecting these tests to place value and the structure of multiples. The scope is limited to these rules for decimal whole numbers, not generalized divisibility tests or modular arithmetic.

Detailed Explanation: Use divisibility rules for 2, 3, 5, 9, and 10

A number is divisible by another number if it can be divided evenly, with no remainder.

Use these rules:

  • Divisible by 2: The ones digit is even: 0,2,4,6,0,2,4,6, or 88.
  • Divisible by 3: The sum of the digits is divisible by 33.
  • Divisible by 5: The ones digit is 00 or 55.
  • Divisible by 9: The sum of the digits is divisible by 99.
  • Divisible by 10: The ones digit is 00.

Worked example

Which of 2,3,5,9,2,3,5,9, and 1010 divide 4,3504{,}350 evenly?

Step 1: Test divisibility by 22.

The ones digit of 4,3504{,}350 is 00. Since 00 is even, 4,3504{,}350 is divisible by 22.

Step 2: Test divisibility by 33 and 99.

Add the digits:

4+3+5+0=124+3+5+0=12

Since 1212 is divisible by 33, 4,3504{,}350 is divisible by 33.

Since 1212 is not divisible by 99, 4,3504{,}350 is not divisible by 99.

Step 3: Test divisibility by 55.

The ones digit is 00, so 4,3504{,}350 is divisible by 55.

Step 4: Test divisibility by 1010.

The ones digit is 00, so 4,3504{,}350 is divisible by 1010.

Therefore, 4,3504{,}350 is divisible by

2, 3, 5, and 10,2,\ 3,\ 5,\text{ and }10,

but it is not divisible by 99.

Learn by doing: Use divisibility rules for 2, 3, 5, 9, and 10

Click a topic below to practice the foundational skills you'll need, learn the steps, or master this skill

Practice with unlimited practice problems

Divisibility Rules (Medium) - Dividend to Yes/No


    ?