Leftovers

Weekly Problem 26 - 2008
If $n$ is a positive integer, how many different values for the remainder are obtained when $n^2$ is divided by $n+4$?
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Problem

As $n$ takes each positive integer value in turn (that is, $n=1$, $n=2$, $n=3$...) how many different values are obtained for the remainder when $n^2$ is divided by $n+4$?

 

If you liked this problem, here is an NRICH task which challenges you to use similar mathematical ideas.