Question:

After distributing the sweets equally among 25 children, 8 sweets remain. Had the number of children been 28, 22 sweets would have been left after equally distributing. What is the smallest possible total number of sweets?

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Express the total as N = 25x + 8, then find the smallest x for which N - 22 is exactly divisible by 28.
Updated On: Jul 16, 2026
  • 328
  • 348
  • 358
  • Data inadequate
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The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Write the two conditions as equations.
Let the total number of sweets be \(N\), and let each of the 25 children receive \(x\) sweets. Since 8 sweets remain after equal distribution:
\[ N = 25x + 8 \]
If instead there were 28 children, 22 sweets would remain, so \(N - 22\) must be exactly divisible by 28.

Step 2: Combine the two conditions.
Substituting, \(25x + 8 - 22 = 25x - 14\) must be divisible by 28.
Rewrite \(25x - 14 = 28x - (3x+14)\). Since \(28x\) is already divisible by 28, we need \(3x + 14\) to be divisible by 28 as well.
Testing small values of \(x\): at \(x = 14\), \(3(14) + 14 = 42 + 14 = 56 = 28 \times 2\), which works, and it's the smallest such \(x\).

Final Answer:
Total sweets \(N = 25(14) + 8 = 350 + 8 = 358\). Checking: \(358 = 28(12) + 22\), confirming the second condition too. \[ \boxed{N = 358} \]
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