Solution #36: The Smallest Possible

Let n be this unknown number. Since n divided by 2 leaves a remainder of 1, n + 1 must be divisible by 2.

Since n divided by 3 leaves a remainder of 2, n + 1 must be divisible by 3. Similarly, n + 1 must be divisible by 4, 5, and 6.

The smallest common multiple of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 is 60.

Therefore, n + 1 = 60. Hence n = 59.


Source: Berrondom, Marie
Categories: Number sense, Arithmetic, Modular arithmetic
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