Shortcut Trick
When given numbers leave the same remainder when divided by the greatest number x, then x is the HCF of their absolute differences.
Calculate the differences: (8651 − 8018) = 633, (8018 − 7807) = 211, and (8651 − 7807) = 844.
x = HCF of (633, 211, 844).
Since 211 × 3 = 633 and 211 × 4 = 844, the HCF is exactly 211.
∴ The correct answer is 211.
Alternate Method
Given:
Three numbers: 8651, 8018, and 7807.
When divided by the greatest number x, the remainder is the same in each case.
Formula Used:
If numbers a, b, and c leave the same remainder when divided by the greatest number x, then:
x = HCF of (|a − b|, |b − c|, |c − a|)
Calculations:
⇒ Let a = 8651, b = 8018, and c = 7807.
⇒ Difference 1 = |a − b| = |8651 − 8018| = 633
⇒ Difference 2 = |b − c| = |8018 − 7807| = 211
⇒ Difference 3 = |c − a| = |7807 − 8651| = 844
⇒ Now, we need to find the Highest Common Factor (HCF) of 633, 211, and 844.
⇒ Factors of 211 = 211 × 1
⇒ Factors of 633 = 211 × 3
⇒ Factors of 844 = 211 × 4
⇒ The greatest common factor for all three differences is 211.
∴ The correct answer is 211.
Additional Information
HCF for Same Remainder
When a given set of numbers leaves the exact same remainder when divided by a common highest number N, then N is the HCF of the absolute differences between pairs of the given numbers.
HCF for Given Different Remainders
When numbers a, b, c leave specific remainders p, q, r respectively when divided by the greatest number N, then N is the HCF of (a − p), (b − q), and (c − r).
LCM Concept for Remainders
The smallest number which when divided by a, b, c leaves the same remainder R in each case is found using: LCM(a, b, c) + R.