+769 What is the largest positive integer $n$ such that $1457$, $1797$, $709$, $15$, $24$, $197$, $428$ all leave the same remainder when divided by $n$?
+1277
What is the largest positive integer $n$ such that $1457$, $1797$, $709$, $15$, $24$, $197$, $428$ all leave the same remainder when divided by $n$?
First, let's eliminate as many divisors as we can. Consider 15 and 24.
The divisor n has to leave a remainder, so factors can be eliminated.
n cannot be 3 or 5, nor 2, 4, 6, 8, or 12 .... leaving 7, 9, 10, 11, 13, and 14.
Remember, the remainder has to be the same. Try them out on 15 and 24 first.
15/7 = 2 R 1 24/7 = 3 R 3 so it isn't 7
15/9 = 1 R 6 24/9 = 2 R 6 so 9 looks hopeful, we'll try another
1457/9 = 161 R 8 so 9 is eliminated
15/10 = 1 R 5 24/10 = 2 R 4 so it isn't 10
15/11 = 1 R 4 24/11 = 2 R 2 so it isn't 11
15/13 = 1 R 2 24/13 = 1 R 11 so it isn't 13
15/14 = 1 R 1 24/14 = 1 R 10 so it isn't 14
Well, I have run out of divisors and ideas at the same time.
Either the problem has no solution, or I'm missing something.
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