An easy question on remainders for P3–P4, with a step-by-step solution, diagrams and the answer. Common in the Hua Xia Cup's P3 to P6 papers; harder ones need several remainder conditions to hold at once.
The question
29 classmates go to a cha chaan teng for lunch.
Each table seats at most 5, and everyone needs a seat.
What is the smallest number of tables they need?
Show the hints (2)
💡Hint 1: 29 ÷ 5 leaves a remainder. What about the classmates left over?
💡Hint 2: The ones left over need seats too, even if they don't fill a table.
Worked solution
Have a go first, then read the solution step by step.
1.29 ÷ 5 = 5 remainder 4.
2.5 tables seat 5 × 5 = 25; 4 more need one more table.
3.5 + 1 = 6 tables.
⚠️Common mistake: answering 5, forgetting the 4 left over need seats too.
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