Question

The number 4$a$6 is divisible by 3. Find the least value of $a$.

• A. 0
• B. 2
• C. 7
• D. Cannot be determined

Answer 1

The correct option is B 2

As we know, for a number to be divisible by 3, the sum of all the digits of the number should be divisible by 3.

The number given is 4$a$6.

Let us put the values of $a$ as 0, 2 and 7 as given in the options and check whether the number obtained is divisible by 3 or not.

In the first option,
Putting $a$ = 0, the number will be 406


∴ Value of $a$ cannot be 0.

In the second option,
Putting $a$ = 2, number obtained is 426


∴ Value of $a$ can be 2.

In the third option,
Putting $a$ = 7, number obtained = 476


∴ Value of $a$ cannot be 7.

Therefore, the least value of $a$ is 2.