Question

An army contingent of 612 members is to march behind an army band of 48 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 1

Let the number of columns be x.

Then, x is the largest number, which should divide both 612 and 48.

612 = 48 × 12 + 36

48 = 36 × 1 + 12

36 = 12 × 3 + 0

Since, HCF of 612 and 48 is x = 12.

Thus, 12 columns are required.