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Ronny uses a 5-digit key for a combination lock, where 5 digits need to be entered in a fixed sequence. While he remembers that the 5 digits are 9, 8, 7, 5 and 4, he has forgotten the sequence he uses. He also remembers that the sum of the first three digits is a multiple of 3, and so is the sum of the last three digits. Further, the sum of the last four digits is a multiple of 4.
Which of the following is DEFINITELY FALSE?
The 5 digits which are used in the combination lock are 9,8,7,5 and 4.
The sum of first 3 digits and the last 3 digits are divisible by 3. Hence, we can say that the third digit is common in both the combinations.
The possible groups of 3 digits whose sum is divisible by 3 are (9,8,7),(9,8,4),(9,7,5),(9,5,4).Â
Out of these 4 possible groups, we have to select two groups which can be used as the first and last 3 digits.Â
The selection should be done in such a way that both the groups should only have one digit in common.Â
Example : If we select (9,8,7) and (9,8,4) and let the middle digit be 9, then we will have 8 in both the first 3 digits and the last 3 digits which is only possible for the 3rd digit which is occupied by 9 in this case. Hence, this case is not possible.Â
So the only possible combinations for the first and last 3 digits are :
Case 1:Â (9,8,7) and (9,5,4)Â where the 3rd digit will be 9.Â
Case 2: (9,8,4) and (9,7,5)Â where the 3rd digit will be 9.
Now, it is given that the sum of the last 4 digits is divisible by 4.Â
The possible cases of the above scenario are :
Case 3:Â (9,8,7,4) where the first digit will be 5.Â
Case 4:Â (8,7,5,4)where the first digit will be 9 which is not possible as 9 is fixed as the 3rd digit from Case 1 and 2.
Since, the first digit is 5 and the third digit is 9, the second digit will either be 4 or 7 and the last two digits will be either (8,7) or (8,4)
So, the possible combinations of the lock are 54987, 54978, 57984 and 57948. Â
Hence, the option which is definitely false is E as no possible combinations has 8 as its 2nd digit.Â
$$\therefore\ $$ The required answer is E.Â
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