CAT 2008 85.

1 Let the three consecutive positive integers be equal

to ‘n – 1’, ‘n’ and ‘n + 1’.
83. 3 Total sum of the numbers written on the blackboard
⇒ n − 1 + n2 + (n + 1)3 = (3n )2
40 × 41
= 820
2 ⇒ n3 + 4n2 + 4n = 9n2
When two numbers ‘a’ and ‘b’ are erased and replaced
⇒ n2 − 5n + 4 = 0
by a new number a + b – 1, the total sum of the
numbers written on the blackboard is reduced by 1. ∴ n = 1 or n = 4
Since, this operation is repeated 39 times, therefore,
the total sum of the numbers will be reduced by Since, the three integers are positive, the value of ‘n’
1 × 39 = 39. cannot be equal to 1, therefore the value of ‘n’ = 4 or
Therefore, after 39 operations there will be only 1 m = n – 1 = 3.
number that will be left on the blackboard and that will Hence, the three consecutive positive integers are 3,
be 820 – 39 = 781. 4 and 5.
Hence, option (3) is the correct choice. Hence, option (1) is the correct choice.

84. 3 The last two digits of any number in the form of 74n
will always be equal to 01.
For example 74 = 2401 and 78 = 5764801.
Hence, option (3) is the correct choice.

Number System Page 7