SOLUTION: What is the smallest positive integer that gives a remainder of 1 when divided by 4, a remainder of 2 when divided by 5, and a remainder of 3 when divided by 6?

Algebra.Com
Question 962491: What is the smallest positive integer that gives a remainder of 1 when divided
by 4, a remainder of 2 when divided by 5, and a remainder of 3 when divided by
6?

Answer by Edwin McCravy(20056)   (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!
What is the smallest positive integer that gives a remainder of 1 when divided
by 4, a remainder of 2 when divided by 5, and a remainder of 3 when divided by
6?
Suppose the solution is N.

In order to leave a remainder of 1 when divided by 4, N must be 1 more
than a multiple of 4. So there exists an integer a such that

N = 4a+1

In order to leave a remainder of 2 when divided by 5, N must be 2 more
than a multiple of 5. So there exists an integer b such that

N = 5b+2

In order to leave a remainder of 3 when divided by 6, N must be 3 more
than a multiple of 6. So there exists an integer c such that

N = 6c+3

----------

So we have:

 N  =  4a+1  =  5b+2  =  6c+3

Add 3 to each of those

N+3 =  4a+4  =  5b+5  =  6c+6

Factor the gcf out of the last three:

N+3 = 4(a+1) = 5(b+1) = 6(c+1) 

This shows that N+3 must be a multiple of 4,5, and 6.
The smallest multiple of those is their LCM = 60

Therefore N+3 = 60
            N = 57

Checking:

    14       11        9
  4)57     5)57     6)57
    4        5        54 
    17        7        3 
    16        5
     1        2

Answer: 57

Edwin

RELATED QUESTIONS

What is the smallest possible integer that's greater than 100, and leaves a remainder of... (answered by CubeyThePenguin)
Find the smallest number that gives a remainder of 1 when divided by 4, a remainder of 2... (answered by richwmiller)
What is the smallest whole number that has a remainder of 1 when divided by 4, a... (answered by RAY100)
What is the smallest positive integer n so that 13n leaves a remainder of 1 when divided... (answered by Theo)
What is the smallest positive integer that leaves a remainder of 1 when divided by 12, 25 (answered by ikleyn)
Find the smallest possible integer which, when divided by 3 has a remainder of 1, when... (answered by richard1234,Edwin McCravy)
If the positive integer x leaves a remainder of 2 when divided by 8, what will the... (answered by lynnlo)
a positive integer when divided by 88 gives the remainder 61. what will be the remainder... (answered by ikleyn)
find the smallest whole number which when divided by 6 gives a remainder of 1 and when... (answered by ankor@dixie-net.com)