Question:

Which is the least number that must be subtracted from 1856, so that the remainder when divided by 7, 12, and 16 is 4.

Show Hint

The number left after subtraction leaves remainder 4 with 7, 12 and 16, so it is 4 more than a common multiple of them (use the LCM).
Updated On: Nov 5, 2026
  • 172
  • 1361
  • 140
  • 137
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The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: LCM:
\(\text{LCM}(7, 12, 16) = 336\).

Step 2: Form of the required number:
Let \(x\) be subtracted. Then \(1856 - x = 336k + 4\) for some integer \(k\) (remainder 4 is less than each divisor, so it is valid).

Step 3: Least \(x\):
\(x\) is least when \(1856-x\) is as large as possible. \(1856 - 4 = 1852 = 336\times 5 + 172\), so the largest multiple of 336 not exceeding 1852 is \(1680\). Hence \(1856 - x = 1684\) and \(x = 172\).

Step 4: Check:
\(1684 = 7\times 240 + 4 = 12\times 140 + 4 = 16\times 105 + 4\). The remainder is 4 in each case.

Final Answer:
The correct option is (1): 172.
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