Let XYZ be a three-digit number, where (X + Y + Z) is not a multiple of 3. Then (XYZ + YZX + ZXY) is not divisible by
- (a) 3
- (b) 9 ✓ UPSC's answer
- (c) 37
- (d) (X + Y + Z)
Why the answer is (b)
• Let the three-digit number XYZ be represented as $100X + 10Y + Z$.
• The sum $S = XYZ + YZX + ZXY$ equals $(100X + 10Y + Z) + (100Y + 10Z + X) + (100Z + 10X + Y)$.
• Simplifying the expression gives $S = 111X + 111Y + 111Z = 111(X + Y + Z)$.
• Since $111 = 3 \times 37$, the sum $S$ is always divisible by 3 and 37, regardless of the digits.
• The problem states that $(X + Y + Z)$ is not a multiple of 3, which implies $(X + Y + Z)$ is not divisible by 3.
• For $S$ to be divisible by 9, $111(X + Y + Z)$ must be divisible by 9. Since 111 is not divisible by 3 (sum of digits $1+1+1=3$, but $111/3=37$ which is not divisible by 3, so $111$ has only one factor of 3), the term $(X + Y + Z)$ must provide the remaining factor of 3 to make the product divisible by 9. However, since $(X + Y + Z)$ is not a multiple of 3, the product $111(X + Y + Z)$ cannot be divisible by 9.
Why the other options are wrong
- (a) 3
- The sum is always divisible by 3 because 111 is a multiple of 3.
- (c) 37
- The sum is always divisible by 37 because 111 is a multiple of 37.
- (d) (X + Y + Z)
- The sum is always divisible by $(X + Y + Z)$ because the expression simplifies to $111(X + Y + Z)$.
Asked in the CSAT Paper II of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2020, held on 4 October 2020. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.