Math Help!!! Please

[KathiWithAnI]

LCM - 3 = X (LCM equals Least common multiple)

there you go!
Because if you notice that each of the remainders is 3 less than the divisor then that means that the least common multiple (which was what she asked for by stating , least positive number) of the numbers would give you a number that each divides into evenly, but we know we need remaiders as stated and so if you subtract 3 from the LCM, that keeps the divisor from going into the value of X one more time because it's short by 3 each time......

in this case the LCM is found by multiplying 7*8*9,

(7*8*9) - 3 = X
501 = x

but if you wanted to continue the pattern, say add divisor 10 with a remainder of 7 then you would first have to find the new LCM which in this case is 2520
so 2520- 3 = x
which means this time x = 2517 and if you check
2517/7 = 359 with a remainder 4 and
2517/8 = 314 with a remainder of 5 and
2517/9 = 279 with a remainder of 6 and finally
2517/10 = 251 with a remainder of 7

so basically my nephew was supposed to see the pattern between the divisors and remainders ( difference of 3 each time) and figure that to get a number that all of those numbers goes into he needed an LCM and then shift his answer by the difference of 3.

I think LittleMissMickey was actually the closest to solving it the way my DN needed to, but I didn't understand exactly what she was saying-- sorry

So hope that clears it up.. much harder to explain by typing here that telling someone face to face!
By the way, it was my other sister and I that fianlly figured it out together!! I was determined to get some kind of 'formula' to write down LOL



Thanks again
Kathi