Number System
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Number System Roadmap
Number System is the foundation of Quantitative Aptitude. The aim is not only to calculate, but to recognise the pattern quickly. Learn the definitions first, then the divisibility rules, factor methods, HCF–LCM, remainders and digit tricks. These ideas appear repeatedly in competitive examinations.
1. Basic Number Types
1.1 Natural Numbers
Natural numbers are the counting numbers used to count objects.
1.2 Whole Numbers
Whole numbers are natural numbers together with zero.
1.3 Integers
Integers include negative numbers, zero and positive numbers.
1.4 Rational Numbers
A number is rational if it can be written as \(\frac pq\), where \(p,q\) are integers and \(q\neq0\).
Examples: \( \frac23,\;-5,\;0,\;1.25\).
1.5 Irrational Numbers
An irrational number cannot be expressed in the form \(\frac pq\), where \(p\) and \(q\) are integers and \(q\neq0\).
Examples include \(\sqrt2,\sqrt3,\pi\).
1.6 Real Numbers
Real numbers consist of both rational and irrational numbers.
Question: Which of the following is irrational: \(\frac73,\sqrt{16},\sqrt5,0\)?
- \(\frac73\) is rational.
- \(\sqrt{16}=4\), so it is rational.
- \(0\) is rational because \(0=\frac01\).
- \(\sqrt5\) cannot be expressed as a ratio of integers.
- Answer: \(\boxed{\sqrt5}\)
2. Integers & Number Line
2.1 Positive and Negative Numbers
Numbers to the right of zero on the number line are positive, while numbers to the left are negative.
Remember: On a number line, the number farther to the right is greater.
For example, \(3>-2\) and \(-2>-5\).
2.2 Absolute Value
The absolute value of a number is its distance from zero. It is never negative.
Examples: \(|7|=7,\quad|-7|=7,\quad|0|=0\).
2.3 Sign Rules
| Operation | Same Signs | Different Signs |
|---|---|---|
| Addition | Add magnitudes, keep sign | Subtract magnitudes, keep sign of larger magnitude |
| Multiplication | Positive | Negative |
| Division | Positive | Negative |
Question: Simplify \(-18+7-5\).
- \(-18+7=-11\).
- \(-11-5=-16\).
- Answer: \(\boxed{-16}\)
3. Important Properties of Numbers
3.1 Even and Odd Numbers
An even number is divisible by \(2\). An odd number is not divisible by \(2\).
| Operation | Result |
|---|---|
| Even + Even | Even |
| Odd + Odd | Even |
| Even + Odd | Odd |
| Even × any integer | Even |
| Odd × Odd | Odd |
3.2 Consecutive Numbers
Consecutive natural numbers differ by \(1\): \(n,n+1,n+2,\ldots\).
3.3 Sum of First \(n\) Natural Numbers
3.4 Sum of First \(n\) Odd Numbers
3.5 Sum of First \(n\) Even Numbers
3.6 Sum of Squares
3.7 Sum of Cubes
Question: Find the sum of the first \(50\) natural numbers.
- Use \(S=\frac{n(n+1)}2\).
- Put \(n=50\).
- \(S=\frac{50\times51}{2}=25\times51=1275\).
- Answer: \(\boxed{1275}\)
4. Prime & Composite Numbers
4.1 Prime Number
A prime number has exactly two positive factors: \(1\) and itself.
Examples: \(2,3,5,7,11,13,17,\ldots\)
4.2 Composite Number
A composite number has more than two positive factors.
Examples: \(4,6,8,9,10,12,\ldots\)
4.3 The Number 2
\(2\) is the only even prime number. Every other even number greater than \(2\) is composite.
4.4 Prime Factorisation
Writing a number as a product of prime numbers is called prime factorisation.
Question: Find the prime factorisation of \(840\).
- \(840=84\times10\).
- \(84=2^2\times3\times7\).
- \(10=2\times5\).
- Therefore \(840=2^3\times3\times5\times7\).
- Answer: \(\boxed{2^3\times3\times5\times7}\)
5. Factors & Multiples
5.1 Factor
A number \(a\) is a factor of \(N\) if \(N\) is exactly divisible by \(a\).
For \(12\), the positive factors are \(1,2,3,4,6,12\).
5.2 Multiple
A multiple of \(a\) is obtained by multiplying \(a\) by an integer.
Multiples of \(5\): \(5,10,15,20,25,\ldots\)
5.3 Number of Factors
If
where \(p_1,p_2,p_3,\ldots\) are distinct primes, then the number of positive factors is:
Question: How many positive factors does \(360\) have?
- Prime factorise: \(360=2^3\times3^2\times5^1\).
- Apply the formula: \((3+1)(2+1)(1+1)\).
- \(=4\times3\times2=24\).
- Answer: \(\boxed{24}\)
5.4 Sum of Positive Factors
If \(N=p^a q^b r^c\), then the sum of all positive divisors is:
5.5 Odd and Even Number of Factors
Key Result: A positive integer has an odd number of factors if and only if it is a perfect square.
Reason: factors normally occur in pairs \((d,N/d)\). Only for a square does one factor pair meet at \(\sqrt N\).
6. Divisibility Rules — Must Learn
| Divisor | Quick Test |
|---|---|
| 2 | Last digit is even: 0, 2, 4, 6 or 8. |
| 3 | Sum of digits is divisible by 3. |
| 4 | Last two digits are divisible by 4. |
| 5 | Last digit is 0 or 5. |
| 6 | Number is divisible by both 2 and 3. |
| 7 | Double the last digit and subtract from the remaining number; repeat if needed. |
| 8 | Last three digits are divisible by 8. |
| 9 | Sum of digits is divisible by 9. |
| 10 | Last digit is 0. |
| 11 | Difference between alternating digit sums is 0 or a multiple of 11. |
| 12 | Divisible by both 3 and 4. |
| 15 | Divisible by both 3 and 5. |
| 18 | Divisible by both 2 and 9. |
| 20 | Last two digits are divisible by 20. |
| 25 | Last two digits are 00, 25, 50 or 75. |
| 125 | Last three digits are divisible by 125. |
Question: Is \(7,425\) divisible by \(3\), \(5\), \(9\) and \(11\)?
- Digit sum \(=7+4+2+5=18\), so it is divisible by \(3\) and \(9\).
- Last digit is \(5\), so it is divisible by \(5\).
- For \(11\): \((7+2)-(4+5)=9-9=0\), so it is divisible by \(11\).
- Answer: It is divisible by 3, 5, 9 and 11.
7. HCF & LCM
7.1 HCF / GCD
HCF means Highest Common Factor. It is the greatest positive number that divides all the given numbers exactly.
7.2 LCM
LCM means Least Common Multiple. It is the smallest positive number that is a multiple of all the given numbers.
7.3 Prime Factor Method
For HCF, take the smallest powers of common prime factors.
For LCM, take the greatest powers of every prime factor appearing.
Question: Find HCF and LCM of \(72\) and \(120\).
- \(72=2^3\times3^2\).
- \(120=2^3\times3\times5\).
- HCF \(=2^3\times3=24\).
- LCM \(=2^3\times3^2\times5=360\).
- Check: \(24\times360=8640=72\times120\).
- Answer: HCF \(=\boxed{24}\), LCM \(=\boxed{360}\).
7.4 Product and HCF-LCM Problems
8. Remainders & Modular Arithmetic
8.1 Division Algorithm
When a positive integer \(N\) is divided by a positive divisor \(d\), we can write:
Here \(q\) is the quotient and \(r\) is the remainder.
8.2 Remainder of a Sum
If two numbers leave remainders \(r_1,r_2\) on division by \(m\), then their sum leaves the remainder of \(r_1+r_2\) after reducing it modulo \(m\).
8.3 Remainder of a Product
Question: Find the remainder when \(37\times48\) is divided by \(5\).
- \(37\) leaves remainder \(2\) on division by \(5\).
- \(48\) leaves remainder \(3\).
- So required remainder \(=2\times3=6\).
- \(6\) leaves remainder \(1\) when divided by \(5\).
- Answer: \(\boxed{1}\)
8.4 Negative Remainders
In standard remainder questions, the remainder is taken between \(0\) and \(m-1\).
For example, \(-3\equiv 4\pmod7\), because \(-3+7=4\).
8.5 Remainder of Large Powers
For \(a^n\), first find the repeating pattern of remainders modulo the required divisor.
Question: Find the remainder when \(2^{10}\) is divided by \(7\).
- Powers of \(2\) modulo \(7\): \(2,4,1,2,4,1,\ldots\).
- The cycle length is \(3\).
- \(10=3\times3+1\), so use the first value of the cycle.
- Therefore \(2^{10}\equiv2\pmod7\).
- Answer: \(\boxed{2}\)
9. Unit Digit & Cyclicity
9.1 Why Cycles Matter
For large powers, the unit digit usually repeats in a cycle. We only need the position of the exponent inside that cycle.
| Base | Unit-Digit Cycle | Cycle Length |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 2, 4, 8, 6 | 4 |
| 3 | 3, 9, 7, 1 | 4 |
| 4 | 4, 6 | 2 |
| 5 | 5 | 1 |
| 6 | 6 | 1 |
| 7 | 7, 9, 3, 1 | 4 |
| 8 | 8, 4, 2, 6 | 4 |
| 9 | 9, 1 | 2 |
Question: Find the unit digit of \(7^{103}\).
- Cycle for \(7\): \(7,9,3,1\).
- Cycle length \(=4\).
- \(103\div4\) leaves remainder \(3\).
- Use the 3rd item of the cycle: \(3\).
- Answer: \(\boxed{3}\)
9.2 Unit Digit of a Product
Find the unit digit of each factor or power first, multiply those unit digits, and retain only the final digit.
10. Factorials & Trailing Zeroes
10.1 Factorial
Also, \(0!=1\).
10.2 Trailing Zeroes in \(n!\)
A trailing zero comes from a factor \(10=2\times5\). In factorials, factors of \(2\) are more common than factors of \(5\). Therefore, count the factors of \(5\).
Question: How many trailing zeroes are there in \(100!\)?
- \(\left\lfloor100/5\right\rfloor=20\).
- \(\left\lfloor100/25\right\rfloor=4\).
- \(\left\lfloor100/125\right\rfloor=0\).
- Total \(=20+4=24\).
- Answer: \(\boxed{24}\)
11. Perfect Squares & Cubes
11.1 Perfect Square
A perfect square is the square of an integer.
11.2 Last Digit of a Perfect Square
A perfect square can end only in \(0,1,4,5,6,\) or \(9\).
11.3 Prime Factor Condition for a Perfect Square
In the prime factorisation of a perfect square, every exponent must be even.
11.4 Perfect Cube
In the prime factorisation of a perfect cube, every exponent must be a multiple of \(3\).
Question: Is \(3600\) a perfect square?
- \(3600=36\times100=2^4\times3^2\times5^2\).
- All exponents \(4,2,2\) are even.
- Therefore, \(3600\) is a perfect square.
- Indeed, \(3600=60^2\).
- Answer: Yes, \(\boxed{60^2}\)
12. Fractions & Decimals
12.1 Proper and Improper Fractions
A proper fraction has numerator smaller than denominator. An improper fraction has numerator greater than or equal to denominator.
12.2 Terminating Decimal
After reducing a rational fraction to lowest terms, its decimal terminates if the denominator contains no primes other than \(2\) and \(5\).
12.3 Recurring Decimal
If the reduced denominator contains any prime factor other than \(2\) or \(5\), the decimal expansion is recurring.
Question: Decide whether \(\frac{7}{40}\) has a terminating decimal expansion.
- \(40=2^3\times5\).
- The denominator contains only \(2\) and \(5\).
- Therefore the decimal terminates.
- \(\frac7{40}=0.175\).
- Answer: Terminating
12.4 Comparing Fractions
For positive fractions \(\frac ab\) and \(\frac cd\), cross multiplication can be used:
13. Digits & Place Value
13.1 Two-Digit Number
If tens digit is \(a\) and units digit is \(b\), the number is:
13.2 Three-Digit Number
If digits are \(a,b,c\), the number is:
13.3 Number Reversal
For a two-digit number \(10a+b\), its reverse is \(10b+a\).
13.4 Digit Sum and Modulo 9
A number and the sum of its digits have the same remainder when divided by \(9\).
Question: A two-digit number has digits \(a\) and \(b\). Its reverse is 27 greater than the original number. Find the difference between the digits.
- Original \(=10a+b\), reverse \(=10b+a\).
- Given \(10b+a-(10a+b)=27\).
- \(9(b-a)=27\).
- \(b-a=3\).
- Answer: \(\boxed{3}\)
14. Number Bases
14.1 What is a Base?
A number system with base \(b\) uses digits from \(0\) to \(b-1\).
For example, binary has base \(2\), so it uses only \(0\) and \(1\).
14.2 Decimal Expansion of a Number in Base \(b\)
If a number is written as \(abc_b\), its decimal value is:
14.3 Binary to Decimal
Question: Convert \((1011)_2\) into decimal.
- Use place values \(2^3,2^2,2^1,2^0\).
- \((1011)_2=1(8)+0(4)+1(2)+1(1)\).
- \(=8+2+1=11\).
- Answer: \((1011)_2=(11)_{10}\)
15. High-Speed Competitive Shortcuts
15.1 Divisibility Combination
If two divisors are coprime, divisibility by both is equivalent to divisibility by their product.
Example: divisible by \(3\) and \(5\) \(\Rightarrow\) divisible by \(15\).
15.2 Consecutive Integers
The product of two consecutive integers is always even:
The product of three consecutive integers is always divisible by \(6\):
15.3 Difference of Squares
This identity is extremely useful for mental calculation and factorisation.
15.4 Multiplication Near 100
For \(98\times97\):
\(98=100-2,\quad97=100-3\).
\[ 98\times97=(100-2)(100-3)=10000-500+6=9506. \]
15.5 Divisibility by 9 Using Digit Sum
Instead of dividing a large number by \(9\), repeatedly add its digits.
Therefore the number is not divisible by \(9\).
15.6 Count Numbers Divisible by \(k\)
From \(1\) to \(N\), the number of multiples of \(k\) is:
From \(A\) to \(B\), inclusive:
16. Competitive Exam Solved Questions
Question 1 — Number of Factors
How many factors does \(720\) have?
\[ 720=2^4\times3^2\times5^1 \]
Number of factors: \[ (4+1)(2+1)(1+1)=5\times3\times2=30. \]
Answer: \(\boxed{30}\)
Question 2 — HCF
Find the HCF of \(144,216\) and \(288\).
\(144=2^4\times3^2\)
\(216=2^3\times3^3\)
\(288=2^5\times3^2\)
Take minimum powers: \(2^3\times3^2=8\times9=72\).
Answer: \(\boxed{72}\)
Question 3 — Unit Digit
Find the unit digit of \(3^{202}\).
Cycle of \(3\): \(3,9,7,1\), length \(4\).
\(202\bmod4=2\).
The second number in the cycle is \(9\).
Answer: \(\boxed9\)
Question 4 — Remainder
Find the remainder when \(2^{15}\) is divided by \(7\).
\(2^3=8\equiv1\pmod7\).
Since \(15=3\times5\),
\[ 2^{15}=(2^3)^5\equiv1^5\equiv1\pmod7. \]
Answer: \(\boxed1\)
Question 5 — Trailing Zeroes
Find the number of trailing zeroes in \(125!\).
\[ \left\lfloor\frac{125}{5}\right\rfloor+ \left\lfloor\frac{125}{25}\right\rfloor+ \left\lfloor\frac{125}{125}\right\rfloor =25+5+1=31. \]
Answer: \(\boxed{31}\)
Question 6 — Perfect Square
Which smallest number should multiply \(180\) to make it a perfect square?
\[ 180=2^2\times3^2\times5 \]
Only exponent of \(5\) is odd.
Multiply by \(5\): \(180\times5=900=30^2\).
Answer: \(\boxed5\)
Question 7 — Divisibility
Find the digit \(x\) so that \(53x4\) is divisible by \(9\).
Digit sum \(=5+3+x+4=12+x\).
For divisibility by \(9\), \(12+x\) must be a multiple of \(9\).
The next multiple is \(18\), so \(x=6\).
Answer: \(\boxed6\)
Question 8 — Consecutive Numbers
Find the sum of five consecutive integers whose middle number is \(27\).
The numbers are \(25,26,27,28,29\).
Sum \(=25+26+27+28+29=135\).
Or directly: average \(=27\), count \(=5\), so sum \(=27\times5=135\).
Answer: \(\boxed{135}\)
Question 9 — Count Multiples
How many numbers from \(1\) to \(500\) are divisible by \(12\)?
\[ \left\lfloor\frac{500}{12}\right\rfloor=41. \]
Answer: \(\boxed{41}\)
Question 10 — Digit Reversal
A two-digit number exceeds its reverse by \(45\). Find the difference between its digits.
Difference \(=9(a-b)\).
So \(9(a-b)=45\).
Therefore \(a-b=5\).
Answer: \(\boxed5\)
17. Practice Set — Competitive Level
Try Without Looking at the Answers
- Find the HCF of \(84\) and \(126\).
- Find the LCM of \(18,24\).
- How many factors does \(540\) have?
- Find the unit digit of \(8^{57}\).
- Find the remainder when \(7^{20}\) is divided by \(6\).
- How many trailing zeroes are there in \(75!\)?
- Find the smallest number by which \(72\) should be multiplied to make it a perfect square.
- Find the digit \(x\) if \(72x6\) is divisible by \(9\).
- How many multiples of \(7\) lie between \(100\) and \(500\), inclusive?
- Find the sum of the first \(40\) natural numbers.
- Determine whether \(\frac{13}{80}\) has a terminating decimal expansion.
- Find the unit digit of \(9^{999}\).
- Find the number of positive divisors of \(2^5\times3^2\times7\).
- Find the HCF and LCM of \(48\) and \(180\).
- Find the remainder when \(123456\) is divided by \(9\).
Answer Key
| Q | Answer | Q | Answer | Q | Answer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 42 | 6 | 18 | 11 | Terminating |
| 2 | 72 | 7 | 2 | 12 | 9 |
| 3 | 24 | 8 | 3 | 13 | 36 |
| 4 | 2 | 9 | 57 | 14 | HCF 12, LCM 720 |
| 5 | 1 | 10 | 820 | 15 | 3 |
18. Final Revision Sheet
Number Types
Natural: \(1,2,3,\ldots\)
Whole: \(0,1,2,3,\ldots\)
Integers: negative, zero and positive whole numbers.
Rational: \(\frac pq,\;q\neq0\).
Irrational: cannot be written as \(\frac pq\).
Real = rational + irrational.
Must-Remember Formulas
\[ \boxed{1+2+\cdots+n=\frac{n(n+1)}2} \]
\[ \boxed{1+3+\cdots+(2n-1)=n^2} \]
\[ \boxed{1^2+2^2+\cdots+n^2=\frac{n(n+1)(2n+1)}6} \]
\[ \boxed{\text{Number of factors of }p^aq^br^c=(a+1)(b+1)(c+1)} \]
\[ \boxed{\mathrm{HCF}\times\mathrm{LCM}=a\times b} \]
\[
\boxed{N=dq+r,\quad0\le r \[
\boxed{\text{Trailing zeroes in }n!=\sum_{k\ge1}\left\lfloor\frac{n}{5^k}\right\rfloor}
\]
Last-Minute Exam Checklist
- Check whether the question asks for factor, multiple, HCF or LCM.
- For divisibility, use the shortest applicable rule instead of long division.
- For large powers, look for a cycle.
- For factorial zeroes, count powers of \(5\), not just \(n/5\).
- For factor-count questions, first write the prime factorisation.
- For perfect squares, check whether every prime exponent is even.
- For a two-digit number, write it as \(10a+b\).
- Always reduce a fraction before deciding whether its decimal terminates.
- In remainder questions, keep every remainder between \(0\) and divisor minus \(1\).
- Do not spend one minute on a calculation that can be solved by a pattern in ten seconds.
First master divisibility + prime factorisation + HCF/LCM. Then master remainders + unit digits + factorials. These areas give you the biggest speed advantage in Number System questions.
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