Question

An army contingent of 612 members is to march behind an army band of 48 members in a parade. The two groups are to march in the same number of columns. What is the maximum number of columns in which they can march?

Answer 1

For maximum number of columns, we need to find highest common factor i.e., HCF of 612 and 48.

Now, 

612 = 48 × 12 + 36

48 = 36 × 1 + 12 

36 = 12 × 3 + 0

HCF of 612 and 48 is 12. 

Maximum number of columns in which they can march is 12.