Q. 34.2( 427 Votes )

An army contingent of 616 members is to march behind an army band of 32 members in a parade. The two groups are to march in the same number of columns. What is the maximum number of columns in which they can march?

Answer :

Suppose, both groups are arranged in 'n' columns, for completely filling each column,
The maximum no of columns in which they can march is the highest common factor of their number of members.
i.e. n = HCF(616, 32)

By using, Euclid’s division algorithm

616 = 32×19+8

Remainder ≠ 0

So, again Applying Euclid’s division algorithm

32 = 8×4+0

HCF of (616, 32) is 8.


They can march in 8 columns each.

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