Class 8 : Maths โ Lesson 5. Number Play
EXPLANATION AND ANALYSIS
๐ฒ INTRODUCTION โ PLAYING WITH NUMBERS
๐ข Numbers are not just symbols used for counting.
๐ง They follow patterns, rules, and relationships that make mathematics logical and interesting.
๐ This lesson focuses on:
๐ต recognising number patterns
๐ก understanding properties of numbers
๐ด using logic instead of lengthy calculations
๐ฃ enjoying mathematics through exploration
๐ง Number Play helps develop number sense, which is the heart of mathematics.
๐ OBSERVING NUMBER PATTERNS
โจ Many numbers follow hidden patterns.
๐ง When we look carefully, we can predict results without heavy calculation.
๐ Examples of patterns include:
๐ต repeating digits
๐ก increasing and decreasing sequences
๐ด alternating numbers
๐ฃ symmetry in digits
๐ฏ Recognising patterns helps us:
๐ข simplify problems
๐ solve faster
๐ฃ avoid mistakes
๐ PLAYING WITH DIGITS OF NUMBERS
๐ข A number is made up of digits, and their position matters.
๐ Changing the order of digits can:
๐ต change the value of the number
๐ก affect divisibility
๐ด create predictable differences
๐ง Observing how digits behave builds confidence in handling numbers.
โ โ EFFECT OF OPERATIONS ON NUMBERS
๐งฎ Numbers behave differently under different operations.
๐ Key ideas:
๐ต adding zero keeps a number unchanged
๐ก multiplying by one keeps the number same
๐ด multiplying by zero makes the result zero
๐ฃ subtraction depends on order
๐ division is not always possible
๐ฏ Understanding these effects avoids careless errors.
๐ข EVEN AND ODD NUMBER PLAY
โ๏ธ Numbers can be classified as even or odd.
๐ Rules:
๐ต even numbers end in 0, 2, 4, 6, or 8
๐ด odd numbers end in 1, 3, 5, 7, or 9
๐ง Interesting observations:
๐ข even + even = even
๐ก odd + odd = even
๐ฃ even + odd = odd
๐ฒ Such patterns help solve problems mentally.
โ๏ธ MULTIPLICATION PATTERNS
๐ Multiplication follows special patterns that make calculations easy.
โจ Examples:
๐ต multiplying by 10 adds a zero
๐ก multiplying by 100 adds two zeros
๐ด multiplying by 9 shows digit patterns
๐ฃ multiplying by 11 creates repeating sums
๐ These patterns reduce calculation time and improve accuracy.
๐ข DIVISIBILITY IDEAS
๐ง Divisibility rules help us check whether a number is divisible without dividing.
๐ Common ideas:
๐ต divisibility by 2 depends on last digit
๐ก divisibility by 5 depends on last digit
๐ด divisibility by 10 requires last digit zero
๐ฏ Using these rules saves time and avoids long division.
๐ NUMBER REVERSAL AND RESULTS
๐ Reversing digits of a number often creates interesting results.
๐ Observations include:
๐ต difference between a number and its reverse
๐ก sum of a number and its reverse
๐ฃ repeating patterns after reversal
๐ง Such activities sharpen logical thinking.
๐งฉ NUMBER TRICKS AND LOGIC
๐ฒ Some number problems look difficult but become easy when logic is applied.
๐ These tricks rely on:
๐ต fixed patterns
๐ก predictable outcomes
๐ฃ step-by-step reasoning
๐ The goal is not magic, but mathematical reasoning.
๐ข PLACE VALUE AND NUMBER BEHAVIOUR
๐ The value of a digit depends on its position.
๐ง Changing place value changes the entire number.
๐ Understanding place value helps in:
๐ต comparing numbers
๐ก estimating results
๐ด avoiding calculation mistakes
๐ง THINKING BEFORE CALCULATING
๐ฆ One key idea of Number Play is thinking before calculating.
๐ Instead of directly calculating, we should:
๐ต observe the pattern
๐ก predict the result
๐ฃ then verify
๐ฏ This approach improves speed and confidence.
๐ฏ REAL-LIFE CONNECTIONS OF NUMBER PLAY
๐ Number patterns appear in:
๐ต calendars
๐ก clocks
๐ด phone numbers
๐ฃ PIN codes
๐ seating arrangements
๐ Mathematics is not separate from life; it reflects daily patterns.
โ ๏ธ COMMON ERRORS TO AVOID
๐ด ignoring digit position
๐ก applying operations blindly
๐ฃ forgetting number properties
๐ rushing without observing patterns
โ๏ธ Always pause and analyse before solving.
๐ IMPORTANCE OF THIS LESSON
๐ develops number sense
๐ก improves logical reasoning
๐ฃ makes calculations faster
๐ builds base for algebra
๐ข encourages thinking over memorisation
๐งพ SUMMARY
๐ต numbers follow patterns
๐ก digits behave differently based on position
๐ด operations affect numbers predictably
๐ฃ evenโodd rules simplify problems
๐ logic reduces calculation effort
๐ข number sense is essential
๐ QUICK RECAP
๐ต observe patterns first
๐ก think before calculating
๐ฃ use logic confidently
๐ apply shortcuts wisely
๐ด accuracy matters more than speed
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TEXTBOOK QUESTIONS
๐ โ Q1. If 31z5 is a multiple of 9, where z is a digit, what is the value of z? Explain why there are two answers to this problem.
๐ โ
Answer:
โฌฅ A number is divisible by 9 if the sum of its digits is divisible by 9.
โฌฅ Sum of digits of 31z5 = 3 + 1 + z + 5 = 9 + z.
โฌฅ For divisibility by 9, 9 + z must be a multiple of 9.
๐ข Step 1 โฌฅ Possible values:
โฌฅ 9 + z = 9 โ z = 0
โฌฅ 9 + z = 18 โ z = 9
โฌฅ Therefore, z = 0 or z = 9.
โฌฅ There are two answers because both values make the digit sum a multiple of 9.
๐ โ Q2. โI take a number that leaves a remainder of 8 when divided by 12. I take another number which is 4 short of a multiple of 12. Their sum will always be a multiple of 8โ, claims Snehal. Examine his claim and justify your conclusion.
๐ โ
Answer:
โฌฅ Let the first number be 12a + 8.
โฌฅ Let the second number be 12b โ 4.
๐ข Step 1 โฌฅ Add the two numbers:
โฌฅ (12a + 8) + (12b โ 4) = 12(a + b) + 4
โฌฅ 12(a + b) is divisible by 4, so the sum becomes 4 (3(a + b) + 1).
โฌฅ This is divisible by 4, but not always by 8.
โก๏ธ Conclusion: Snehalโs claim is false. The sum is not always a multiple of 8.
๐ โ Q3. When is the sum of two multiples of 3 a multiple of 6 and when is it not? Explain the different possible cases and generalise the pattern.
๐ โ
Answer:
โฌฅ Multiples of 3 can be written as 3k.
๐ข Step 1 โฌฅ Case analysis:
โฌฅ 3(odd) + 3(odd) = 6(even) โ divisible by 6
โฌฅ 3(even) + 3(even) = 6(even) โ divisible by 6
โฌฅ 3(odd) + 3(even) = 3(odd) โ not divisible by 6
โฌฅ A number is divisible by 6 if it is divisible by 2 and 3.
โก๏ธ Generalisation:
โฌฅ The sum of two multiples of 3 is a multiple of 6 only when both are even multiples or both are odd multiples of 3.
๐ โ Q4. Sreelatha says, โI have a number that is divisible by 9. If I reverse its digits, it will still be divisible by 9.โ
(i) Examine if her conjecture is true for any multiple of 9.
๐ โ
Answer:
โฌฅ Divisibility by 9 depends on the sum of digits, not their order.
โฌฅ Reversing digits does not change the digit sum.
โก๏ธ Conclusion: The conjecture is true for all multiples of 9.
(ii) Are any other digit shuffles possible such that the number formed is still a multiple of 9?
๐ โ
Answer:
โฌฅ Any rearrangement (shuffle) of digits keeps the same digit sum.
โฌฅ Therefore, any digit shuffle of a multiple of 9 is also a multiple of 9.
๐ โ Q5. If 48a23b is a multiple of 18, list all possible pairs of values for a and b.
๐ โ
Answer:
โฌฅ A number divisible by 18 must be divisible by 2 and 9.
๐ข Step 1 โฌฅ Divisibility by 2:
โฌฅ Last digit b must be even โ b = 0, 2, 4, 6, 8
๐ข Step 2 โฌฅ Divisibility by 9:
โฌฅ Digit sum = 4 + 8 + a + 2 + 3 + b = 17 + a + b
โฌฅ 17 + a + b must be a multiple of 9 โ possible values = 18 or 27
โฌฅ For 18: a + b = 1
โฌฅ For 27: a + b = 10
๐ก Step 3 โฌฅ Valid pairs (a, b):
โฌฅ (1, 0)
โฌฅ (2, 8), (4, 6), (6, 4), (8, 2)
โก๏ธ All valid pairs: (1,0), (2,8), (4,6), (6,4), (8,2)
๐ โ Q6. If 3p7q8 is divisible by 44, list all possible pairs of values for p and q.
๐ โ
Answer:
โฌฅ 44 = 4 ร 11 โ number must be divisible by 4 and 11.
๐ข Step 1 โฌฅ Divisibility by 4:
โฌฅ Last two digits = q8
โฌฅ q8 is divisible by 4 when q = 0, 2, 4, 6, 8
๐ข Step 2 โฌฅ Divisibility by 11:
โฌฅ (3 + 7 + 8) โ (p + q) = 18 โ (p + q)
โฌฅ This must be a multiple of 11 โ possible values = 0 or 11
โฌฅ 18 โ (p + q) = 11 โ p + q = 7
โฌฅ 18 โ (p + q) = 0 โ p + q = 18 (not possible)
๐ก Step 3 โฌฅ Valid pairs:
โฌฅ (p, q) = (7,0), (5,2), (3,4), (1,6)
๐ โ Q7. Find three consecutive numbers such that the first is a multiple of 2, the second a multiple of 3, and the third a multiple of 4. Are there more such numbers? How often do they occur?
๐ โ
Answer:
โฌฅ Check numbers of the form n, n+1, n+2.
๐ข Step 1 โฌฅ Smallest example:
โฌฅ 8 (multiple of 2), 9 (multiple of 3), 10 (not multiple of 4) โ
โฌฅ 14, 15, 16 โ๏ธ
โฌฅ 14 โ divisible by 2
โฌฅ 15 โ divisible by 3
โฌฅ 16 โ divisible by 4
โฌฅ These occur every 12 numbers, since LCM(2,3,4) = 12.
โก๏ธ Yes, more such numbers exist and they repeat every 12 numbers.
๐ โ Q8. Write five multiples of 36 between 45,000 and 47,000. Share your approach.
๐ โ
Answer:
โฌฅ 36 ร 1250 = 45,000
โฌฅ Start from the next multiple.
โฌฅ Five multiples:
โฌฅ 45,036
โฌฅ 45,072
โฌฅ 45,108
โฌฅ 45,144
โฌฅ 45,180
โฌฅ Approach: find a nearby known multiple, then keep adding 36.
๐ โ Q9. The middle number in the sequence of 5 consecutive even numbers is 5p. Express the other four numbers in sequence in terms of p.
๐ โ
Answer:
โ 5 consecutive even numbers differ by 2.
โ Middle number = 5p.
โ So the sequence is: (5p โ 4), (5p โ 2), 5p, (5p + 2), (5p + 4).
๐ โ Q10. Write a 6-digit number that it is divisible by 15, such that when the digits are reversed, it is divisible by 6.
๐ โ
Answer:
โ Example: 240045
โ 240045 is divisible by 15 because it ends in 5 and (2+4+0+0+4+5)=15 is divisible by 3.
โ Reversed number = 540042
โ 540042 is divisible by 6 because it is even (ends in 2) and its digit sum is also 15 (divisible by 3).
๐ โ Q11. Deepak claims, โThere are some multiples of 11 which, when doubled, are still multiples of 11. But other multiples of 11 donโt remain multiples of 11 when doubledโ. Examine if his conjecture is true; explain your conclusion.
๐ โ
Answer:
โ Let a multiple of 11 be 11k.
โ Doubling it gives 2ร(11k)=11ร(2k), which is still a multiple of 11.
โ So every multiple of 11 remains a multiple of 11 when doubled.
โก๏ธ Deepakโs conjecture is false.
๐ โ Q12. Determine whether the statements below are โAlways Trueโ, โSometimes Trueโ, or โNever Trueโ. Explain your reasoning.
๐ โ (i) The product of a multiple of 6 and a multiple of 3 is a multiple of 9.
๐ โ
Answer:
โ (6a)(3b)=18ab=9(2ab).
โก๏ธ Always True
๐ โ (ii) The sum of three consecutive even numbers will be divisible by 6.
๐ โ
Answer:
โ Let the numbers be 2n, 2n+2, 2n+4.
โ Sum = 6n+6 = 6(n+1).
โก๏ธ Always True
๐ โ (iii) If abcdef is a multiple of 6, then badcef will be a multiple of 6.
๐ โ
Answer:
โ Divisibility by 3 depends on digit sum; digit sum stays same after rearranging, so still divisible by 3.
โ Divisibility by 2 depends on last digit; both numbers end with f, so evenness stays same.
โก๏ธ Always True
๐ โ (iv) 8(7b โ 3) โ 4(11b + 1) is a multiple of 12.
๐ โ
Answer:
๐ข Step 1 โ Simplify the expression:
โ 8(7bโ3) โ 4(11b+1)
โ = (56bโ24) โ (44b+4)
โ = 12b โ 28
๐ฃ Step 2 โ Check divisibility by 12:
โ 12b โ 28 = 4(3b โ 7) is always divisible by 4.
โ But 3b โ 7 is never divisible by 3 (since 3b is divisible by 3, and subtracting 7 leaves remainder 2).
โก๏ธ Never True
๐ โ Q13. Choose any 3 numbers. When is their sum divisible by 3? Explore all possible cases and generalise.
๐ โ
Answer:
โ Look at remainders when dividing by 3: 0, 1, 2.
โ The sum is divisible by 3 exactly when the three remainders add to a multiple of 3.
โ Possible remainder patterns:
โ (0,0,0)
โ (1,1,1)
โ (2,2,2)
โ (0,1,2) (in any order)
โก๏ธ These are all the cases that make the sum divisible by 3.
๐ โ Q14. Is the product of two consecutive integers always multiple of 2? Why? What about the product of these consecutive integers? Is it always a multiple of 6? Why or why not? What can you say about the product of 4 consecutive integers? What about the product of five consecutive integers?
๐ โ
Answer:
โ Two consecutive integers: one must be even โ product is always a multiple of 2.
โ Three consecutive integers: among them, one is divisible by 3 and at least one is even โ product is always a multiple of 6.
โ Four consecutive integers:
โ among them, at least one is divisible by 3, and there are two even numbers (one of which is a multiple of 4) โ product always has factors 3 and 8 โ multiple of 24.
โ Five consecutive integers:
โ contains a multiple of 5, a multiple of 3, and enough factors of 2 (from even numbers, including a multiple of 4) โ product is always a multiple of 120.
๐ โ Q15. Solve the cryptarithms โ
๐ โ (i) EF ร E = GGG
๐ โ
Answer:
โ Solution: 37 ร 3 = 111
โ So E=3, F=7, G=1.
๐ โ (ii) WOW ร 5 = MEOW
๐ โ
Answer:
โ Solution: 575 ร 5 = 2875
โ So W=5, O=7, M=2, E=8.
๐ โ Q16. Which of the following Venn diagrams captures the relationship between the multiples of 4, 8, and 32?
๐ โ
Answer:
โ Every multiple of 32 is a multiple of 8, and every multiple of 8 is a multiple of 4.
โ So the sets are nested: Multiples of 32 โ Multiples of 8 โ Multiples of 4.
โก๏ธ The correct diagram is the one with 32 inside 8 inside 4 (nested circles).
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OTHER IMPORTANT QUESTIONS
๐น Part A โ MCQs (Q1โQ10)
๐ โ Q1. If 3125 is a multiple of 9, where z is a digit in 31z5, what can be the possible values of z?
๐ข1๏ธโฃ 2 or 5
๐ต2๏ธโฃ 3 or 6
๐ก3๏ธโฃ 4 or 7
๐ฃ4๏ธโฃ 1 or 9
โ๏ธ Answer: ๐ข1๏ธโฃ
๐ โ Q2. A number leaves remainder 8 when divided by 12. Another number is 4 less than a multiple of 12. Their sum will always be a multiple of:
๐ข1๏ธโฃ 4
๐ต2๏ธโฃ 6
๐ก3๏ธโฃ 8
๐ฃ4๏ธโฃ 12
โ๏ธ Answer: ๐ก3๏ธโฃ
๐ โ Q3. The sum of two multiples of 3 is a multiple of 6 when:
๐ข1๏ธโฃ both are even multiples of 3
๐ต2๏ธโฃ both are odd multiples of 3
๐ก3๏ธโฃ one is even, one is odd multiple of 3
๐ฃ4๏ธโฃ all of these
โ๏ธ Answer: ๐ฃ4๏ธโฃ
๐ โ Q4. Reversing the digits of a multiple of 9 always gives another multiple of 9 because:
๐ข1๏ธโฃ digits remain same
๐ต2๏ธโฃ place values change
๐ก3๏ธโฃ digit sum remains unchanged
๐ฃ4๏ธโฃ last digit is same
โ๏ธ Answer: ๐ก3๏ธโฃ
๐ โ Q5. For 48a23b to be divisible by 18, which condition must be satisfied?
๐ข1๏ธโฃ divisible by 2 and 9
๐ต2๏ธโฃ divisible by 6
๐ก3๏ธโฃ divisible by 3 and 6
๐ฃ4๏ธโฃ divisible by 9 only
โ๏ธ Answer: ๐ข1๏ธโฃ
๐ โ Q6. A number divisible by 44 must be divisible by:
๐ข1๏ธโฃ 4 and 11
๐ต2๏ธโฃ 2 and 22
๐ก3๏ธโฃ 8 and 11
๐ฃ4๏ธโฃ 4 and 22
โ๏ธ Answer: ๐ข1๏ธโฃ
๐ โ Q7. Three consecutive numbers where the first is divisible by 2, second by 3, and third by 4 occur:
๐ข1๏ธโฃ once
๐ต2๏ธโฃ never
๐ก3๏ธโฃ infinitely many times
๐ฃ4๏ธโฃ only for small numbers
โ๏ธ Answer: ๐ก3๏ธโฃ
๐ โ Q8. The middle number of 5 consecutive even numbers is p. What is the smallest number?
๐ข1๏ธโฃ p โ 4
๐ต2๏ธโฃ p โ 2
๐ก3๏ธโฃ p
๐ฃ4๏ธโฃ p โ 6
โ๏ธ Answer: ๐ข1๏ธโฃ
๐ โ Q9. A 6-digit number divisible by 15 must be divisible by:
๐ข1๏ธโฃ 3 and 5
๐ต2๏ธโฃ 5 and 6
๐ก3๏ธโฃ 3 and 10
๐ฃ4๏ธโฃ 15 only
โ๏ธ Answer: ๐ข1๏ธโฃ
๐ โ Q10. Which Venn diagram correctly represents multiples of 4, 8 and 32?
๐ข1๏ธโฃ 32 โ 8 โ 4
๐ต2๏ธโฃ 4 โ 8 โ 32
๐ก3๏ธโฃ 8 โ 4 โ 32
๐ฃ4๏ธโฃ All disjoint
โ๏ธ Answer: ๐ข1๏ธโฃ
๐น Part B โ Short Answer Questions (Q11โQ20)
๐ โ Q11. Explain why there are two possible values of z in 31z5 being divisible by 9.
๐ โ
Answer:
๐น Sum of digits = 3 + 1 + z + 5 = 9 + z
๐ธ For divisibility by 9, z must be 0 or 9
๐ โ Q12. Verify Shanelโs claim in Q2 using algebra.
๐ โ
Answer:
๐น First number = 12k + 8
๐น Second number = 12m โ 4
๐ธ Sum = 12(k + m) + 4 = multiple of 8
๐ โ Q13. When is the sum of two multiples of 3 not a multiple of 6?
๐ โ
Answer:
๐น When one multiple is even and the other is odd
๐ธ Their sum is odd multiple of 3
๐ โ Q14. Does reversing digits always preserve divisibility by 9? Why?
๐ โ
Answer:
๐น Divisibility by 9 depends on digit sum
๐ธ Reversal does not change digit sum
๐ โ Q15. State all possible pairs (a, b) for 48a23b divisible by 18.
๐ โ
Answer:
๐น b must be even
๐น a + b must make digit sum divisible by 9
๐ โ Q16. Why must a number divisible by 44 be divisible by 11?
๐ โ
Answer:
๐น 44 = 4 ร 11
๐ธ Divisibility by 44 requires divisibility by both
๐ โ Q17. Give one example of three consecutive numbers satisfying Q7.
๐ โ
Answer:
๐น 8, 9, 10
๐ธ 8 divisible by 2, 9 by 3, 10 not by 4 โ try 20, 21, 22 โ works
๐ โ Q18. Express all five numbers if the middle even number is p.
๐ โ
Answer:
๐น p โ 4, p โ 2, p, p + 2, p + 4
๐ โ Q19. Give one 6-digit number divisible by 15 whose reverse is divisible by 6.
๐ โ
Answer:
๐น Example: 123450 โ reverse 054321 = divisible by 6
๐ โ Q20. Why are all multiples of 32 also multiples of 8?
๐ โ
Answer:
๐น 32 = 4 ร 8
๐ธ Every multiple of 32 contains factor 8
๐น Part C โ Detailed Reasoning Questions (Q21โQ30)
๐ โ Q21. Prove that reversing digits of any multiple of 9 keeps it divisible by 9.
๐ โ
Answer:
๐น Divisibility by 9 depends only on digit sum
๐น Reversing digits keeps digit sum unchanged
๐ธ Hence divisibility remains
๐ โ Q22. Analyse all cases when sum of two multiples of 3 is a multiple of 6.
๐ โ
Answer:
๐น Both even multiples โ sum even โ divisible by 6
๐น Both odd multiples โ sum even โ divisible by 6
๐น Mixed parity โ sum odd โ not divisible by 6
๐ โ Q23. Find all possible values of (a, b) for 48a23b divisible by 18.
๐ โ
Answer:
๐น b โ {0,2,4,6,8}
๐น Digit sum condition applied to find valid (a, b) pairs
๐ โ Q24. Show that 3p7q8 divisible by 44 gives limited (p, q) values.
๐ โ
Answer:
๐น Divisible by 4 โ last two digits condition
๐น Divisible by 11 โ alternating sum rule
๐ โ Q25. Prove that infinitely many solutions exist for Q7.
๐ โ
Answer:
๐น LCM of 2,3,4 = 12
๐น Pattern repeats every 12 numbers
๐ โ Q26. Derive the five multiples of 36 between 45,000 and 47,000.
๐ โ
Answer:
๐น First multiple = 36 ร 1250 = 45,000
๐น Add 36 repeatedly
๐ โ Q27. Explain why some multiples of 11 remain multiples of 11 when doubled.
๐ โ
Answer:
๐น If n = 11k, then 2n = 22k
๐ธ Still divisible by 11
๐ โ Q28. Classify statement (i) of Q12 as Always / Sometimes / Never true.
๐ โ
Answer:
๐น Product of 6k and 3m = 18km
๐ธ Always divisible by 9 โ Always True
๐ โ Q29. Solve the cryptarithm: EF ร E = GGG.
๐ โ
Answer:
๐น Try E = 3 โ 36 ร 3 = 108
๐ธ GGG must have equal digits โ check systematically
๐ โ Q30. Identify the correct Venn diagram for multiples of 4, 8 and 32.
๐ โ
Answer:
๐น Every multiple of 32 โ multiples of 8 โ multiples of 4
๐ธ Diagram (iii) is correct
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