Question

If 3 is subtracted from the middle digit of each of the following numbers and then the position of the digits are reversed, which of the following will be the last digit of the middle number after they are arranged in descending order?

• A. 3
• B. 2
• C. 4
• D. 1

Hint:

For such problems, always carefully handle each operation (subtraction, reversal) and ensure correct ordering based on the given instructions.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

We are given the numbers: \[ 589, 362, 554, 371, 442 \] Step 1: Subtract 3 from the middle digit of each number:
- For 589, the middle digit is 8. Subtracting 3 gives 5, so the new number is 559.
- For 362, the middle digit is 6. Subtracting 3 gives 3, so the new number is 332.
- For 554, the middle digit is 5. Subtracting 3 gives 2, so the new number is 524.
- For 371, the middle digit is 7. Subtracting 3 gives 4, so the new number is 341.
- For 442, the middle digit is 4. Subtracting 3 gives 1, so the new number is 421.
Step 2: Reverse the digits of each new number:
- For 559, the reverse is 955.
- For 332, the reverse is 233.
- For 524, the reverse is 425.
- For 341, the reverse is 143.
- For 421, the reverse is 124.
Step 3: Arrange the numbers in descending order:
\[ 955, 425, 341, 233, 124 \] Step 4: The middle number is 341. The last digit of 341 is \( \boxed{3} \).