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Divisibility Rules 3, 6, 9

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Learning text on the topic Divisibility Rules 3, 6, 9

Divisibility Rules for 3, 6, 9

In this text, we're going to tackle a very helpful maths shortcut that will make working with numbers much easier. They are called the divisibility rules for 3, 6 and 9, and they are handy tricks for quickly figuring out if a number can be divided evenly by three. Let's dive in and become divisibility detectives!

Divisibility Rule for 3

Divisibility Rule for 3: A number is divisible by 3 if the sum of all its digits is also divisible by 3.

This might sound a bit tricky, but it's actually straightforward. By adding up the digits in a number and checking if that sum can be divided by 3, you can tell if the original number is divisible by 3. This saves you from doing long division!

Is the number 123 divisible by 3?
What about the number 145? Is it divisible by 3?
Can the number 909 be divided evenly by 3?

Divisibility Rule for 3 – Example

Let's take a closer look at how to apply this rule with an example. Imagine we have the number 276 and we want to know if it can be divided evenly by 3.

Step Action Result
1. Add the digits 2 + 7 + 6 15
2. Check the sum 15 is divisible by 3? Yes, because 3 × 5 = 15
3. Apply the rule Is 276 divisible by 3? Yes, since the sum (15) is divisible by 3

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Divisibility Rule for 6

Divisibility Rule for 6: A number is divisible by 6 if it is even (divisible by 2) and the sum of its digits is divisible by 3.

This rule is a two-step check involving both divisibility by 2 and 3. If a number passes both checks, it is divisible by 6.

Is the number 246 divisible by 6?
What about the number 137?
Can the number 414 be divided evenly by 6?

Divisibility Rule for 6 – Example

Let's apply this rule to the number 132 to determine if it can be divided evenly by 6.

Step Action Result
1. Check if even 132 is even? Yes, it ends in 2
2. Add the digits 1 + 3 + 2 6
3. Check the sum 6 is divisible by 3? Yes, because 3 × 2 = 6
4. Apply the rule Is 132 divisible by 6? Yes, since it is even and the sum is divisible by 3

Divisibility Rule for 9

Divisibility Rule for 9: A number is divisible by 9 if the sum of all its digits is divisible by 9.

This rule requires just one step similar to that for 3 but with a higher divisibility requirement.

Is the number 729 divisible by 9?
What about the number 235?
Can the number 486 be divided evenly by 9?

Divisibility Rule for 9 – Example

Consider the number 891 to see if it's divisible by 9.

Step Action Result
1. Add the digits 8 + 9 + 1 18
2. Check the sum 18 is divisible by 9? Yes, because 9 × 2 = 18
3. Apply the rule Is 891 divisible by 9? Yes, since the sum (18) is divisible by 9

Divisibility Rules for 3, 6, 9 – Practice

Practising applying the rules!

Is the number 306 divisible by 3?
Can the number 618 be divided evenly by 6?
Is the number 1001 divisible by 9?
Does the number 782 pass the divisibility rule for 3?
Is the number 252 divisible by 6?
What about the number 589 for divisibility by 9?
Can the number 294 be divided evenly by 3?
Is the number 480 divisible by 6?
Does the number 873 pass the divisibility test for 9?

Divisibility Rules for 3, 6, 9 – Summary

Key Learnings from this Text:

  • A number is divisible by 3 if the sum of its digits is divisible by 3.
  • A number is divisible by 6 if it is even and the sum of its digits is divisible by 3.
  • A number is divisible by 9 if the sum of its digits is divisible by 9.
  • These rules are helpful for quickly solving divisibility problems without long calculations.
  • Practising these rules with exercises helps reinforce understanding and accuracy in applying them.

Keep practising this rule with different numbers you encounter. Before you know it, you'll be a divisibility expert! Don't forget to check out other cool maths shortcuts and tips on our website and continue practising division.

Divisibility Rules for 3, 6, 9 – Frequently Asked Questions

How can you quickly tell if a number is divisible by 3?
What makes a number divisible by 6?
How do you determine if a number is divisible by 9?
Can these divisibility rules be applied to any number?
Are there exceptions to these divisibility rules?
Do you need a calculator to use these divisibility rules?
Is the divisibility rule for 6 applicable to odd numbers?
What if the sum of the digits equals the divisor itself, like 9 or 3?
Can these rules help in simplifying larger mathematical problems?
Are these divisibility rules useful in everyday life?
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