Math Problem Statement

MBA Nexus - CAT & OMETS 2024, [10-11-2024 09:24] Q3 If A = {91, 92, 93, …, 180} and B is a subset of A such that the sum of no two elements of B is a multiple of 9, then what can be the maximum number of elements in B?

MBA Nexus - CAT & OMETS 2024, [10-11-2024 09:25] [ Poll : Ans ]

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Solution

To solve this problem, let's analyze the set A={91,92,93,,180}A = \{91, 92, 93, \ldots, 180\} and the properties of subset BB.

  1. Step 1: Find the Range of Numbers and Remainders Modulo 9

    The elements in AA start from 91 and go up to 180. These numbers form an arithmetic sequence with a common difference of 1. The length of AA is: 18091+1=90180 - 91 + 1 = 90 So, AA contains 90 elements.

    Now, let's find the remainder when each element in AA is divided by 9. We will analyze each possible remainder (from 0 to 8) because two elements in BB cannot have a sum that is a multiple of 9.

  2. Step 2: Determine Feasible Elements Based on Modulo 9 Compatibility

    Since we cannot have any two elements in BB whose sum is divisible by 9, we must choose elements such that if an element has remainder rr, we avoid elements with remainder 9r9 - r.

    Here's how we can pair the remainders:

    • r=0r = 0 (cannot pair with itself in BB)
    • r=1r = 1 pairs with r=8r = 8
    • r=2r = 2 pairs with r=7r = 7
    • r=3r = 3 pairs with r=6r = 6
    • r=4r = 4 pairs with r=5r = 5
    • r=8r = 8 pairs with r=1r = 1, etc.

    To maximize the size of BB, we choose one element from each of these pairs.

  3. Step 3: Count the Frequency of Each Remainder in Set AA

    Calculating each remainder's occurrence from 91 to 180, we find that each remainder (from 0 to 8) occurs exactly 10 times.

  4. Step 4: Select Maximum Elements Based on Non-pairing Remainders

    To avoid sums divisible by 9, we can select:

    • One element from each pair of remainders, choosing a maximum of 5 elements per pair.
    • This results in 5×8=405 \times 8 = 40.
  5. Conclusion: Maximum Number of Elements in BB

    The maximum number of elements in BB that satisfy the condition is therefore 40.

The correct answer is:

  • None of the given choices directly match. However, if you can verify further or see a similar pattern, confirm the possible maximum number as 40 elements.

Would you like more clarification on any part of this solution?


Here are some related questions you might consider:

  1. How would the solution change if the range of AA were different?
  2. How do we calculate the exact distribution of remainders in any sequence?
  3. What if the condition was for sums to be non-divisible by another number, like 7 or 8?
  4. Can this method apply to subsets with other operations, like products?
  5. How do subsets with restricted sum properties apply in probability problems?

Tip: When dealing with modular arithmetic in sets, organizing elements by remainder often simplifies subset problems with divisibility restrictions.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Set Theory
Modular Arithmetic
Combinatorics

Formulas

Number of terms in an arithmetic sequence: n = (last term - first term + 1)
Modulo operation to determine remainder when divided by a given divisor

Theorems

Properties of modular arithmetic for divisibility conditions
Pairing principle for subset formation based on modular constraints

Suitable Grade Level

Undergraduate (competitive exam level)