What is the least number that must be added to 2389 so that the sum is exactly divisible by 14?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → 5
Divide 2389 by 14 and find the remainder. The number to add is 14 minus the remainder, which takes the sum up to the next multiple of 14.
\(2389=14\times170+9\)
Number to add \(=14-9=5\)
Check: \(2389+5=2394=14\times171\)
The least number to be added is 5.
Why the other options are incorrect
Option (1) 3 — Incorrect. \(2389+3=2392\), which leaves remainder 12 when divided by 14.
Option (2) 9 — Incorrect. 9 is the remainder of 2389 ÷ 14; it is the number to be subtracted, not added (2389 + 9 = 2398 is not a multiple of 14).
Option (4) 7 — Incorrect. \(2389+7=2396\), which leaves remainder 2 when divided by 14.