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jrowe13
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Number Properties guide, 2nd Edition, pg. 52 #14

by jrowe13 Wed Jul 11, 2012 2:04 am

Problem: If a/b has a remainder of 4, what is the smallest possible value of a + b?

Solution: 9 (a = 4 and b = 5)

Is this a typo? 4/5 does not have a remainder of 4.
esledge
 
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Re: Number Properties guide, 2nd Edition, pg. 52 #14

by esledge Mon Jul 23, 2012 12:13 pm

The question would probably be more accurate if it where phrased in word form: "If a divided by b has a remainder of 4, what is the smallest possible value of a + b?"

I think whoever wrote the question probably used the a/b form as shorthand, reasoning that a/b is said "a divided by b." But you are right that 4/5 has a remainder of 4/5 when divided by an integer, and furthermore, the "when divided by ____" specification is missing.

We'll make a note to change this in a future edition. Thanks for raising the concern!