Problem:
Compute the sum of the three smallest positive integers for which
is an integer.
HMMT November, 2024
Solution
Solution:
We simplify the expression as follows:
Thus, the expression is an integer if and only if divides . The smallest divisors of are
Since and is modulo , the three smallest values it can take are , , and . Hence, the three smallest values of are , , and , giving the answer of .
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