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 Class 10 Mathematics
Previous Year Questions
Chapter-1 : Real Numbers

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 1.1 Introduction

MCQ:

1. The total number of factors of a prime number is

a) 1
b) 0
c) 2
d) 3
(2020)

2. If is a whole number, then 8𝑥 ends with an even digit, except for which value of x?

a) 6
b) 4
c) 2
d) 0
(2024)
1.2 The Fundamental Theorem of Arithmetic

MCQ
3. The ratio of HCF to LCM of the least composite number and the least prime
is number
a) 1: 2
b) 2: 1
c) 1: 1
d) 1: 3
(2023)

4. If HCF (39,91) = 13, then LCM (39,91) is

a) 91
b) 273
c) 39
d) 3549
(Term I, 2021-22)

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 5. Two positive numbers have their HCF as 12 and their product as 6336.
The number of pairs possible for the numbers, is
a) 2
b) 3
c) 4
d) 1
(Term I, 2021-22)

6. If ' n ' is any natural number, then (𝟐 )𝒏 cannot end with the digit
a) 2
b) 4
c) 8
d) 0
(Term I, 2021-22)

7. The number 385 can be expressed as the product of prime factors as

a) 5 × 11 × 13
b) 5 × 7 × 11
c) 5 × 7 × 13
d) 5 × 11 × 17
(Term I, 2021-22)

8. The HCF and the LCM of 12,21 and 15 respectively, are

a) 3,140
b) 12,420
c) 3,420
d) 420,3
(2020) Ap

9. The HCF of smallest 2-digit number and the smallest composite number is:
a) 2
b) 20
c) 40
d) 4

(2024)

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 10. HCF × LCM for the numbers 40 and 30 is:
(a) 12
(b) 120
(c) 1200
(d) 40

VSA (1 mark) (2024)

11. The LCM of two numbers is 182 and their HCF is 13. If one of the numbers is 26, find
the other.
(2020)

12. The LCM of two numbers is 9 times their HCF. The sum of LCM and HCF is 500. Find
the HCF of the two numbers.
(2019C)

13. If HCF (336,54) = 6, find LCM (336,54).

(2019)

14. The HCF of two numbers a and b is 5 and their LCM is 200. Find the product ab.
(AI 2019)

15. What is the HCF of smallest prime number and the smallest composite number?
(2018)

16. Show that any number of the form 6�, where n ∈ N can never end with digit 0
(Board Term I, 2017) An

17. The HCF of two numbers is 27 and their LCM is 162, if one of the numbers is 54, find
the other number
(Board Term I, 2017)

18. The LCM of two numbers is 2079 and their HCF is 27. If one of the numbers is 297.
Find the other number
(Board Term I, 2015)

19. Find the HCF 84 and 144 by prime factorisation method.

(2024)

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 20. Find LCM and HCF of two numbers 336 and 54, using prime-factorisation method.
(2024)

21. Given that HCF (306, 1314) = 18, find LCM of (306, 1314).
(2024)
22. Two alarm clocks ring their alarms at regular intervals of 20 minutes and 25 minutes
respectively. IfVthey first beep together at 12 noon, at what time will they beep
again together next time?
(2024)
SA I (2 marks)

23. Find the least number which when divided by 12,16 and 24 leaves remainder 7 in
each case.
(2023)

24. Two numbers are in the ratio 2: 3 and their LCM is 180. What is the HCF of these
numbers?

25. Explain why 2 × 3 × 5 + 5 and 5 × 7 × 11 + 7 × 5 are composite numbers.

(2021C)

26. If HCF of 65 and 117 is expressible in the form 65n− 117, then find the value of n.
(2019)

27. Find the HCF of 612 and 1314 using prime factorization.
(Al 2019)
28. Express 5050 as product of its prime factors. Is it unique?
(Board Term I, 2017)

29. Show that the numbers 231 and 396 are not co-prime.
(Board Term I, 2017)

30. Find HCF and LCM of 404 and 96 and verify that HCF × LCM = Product of the two given
numbers.
(2018)

31. An army contingent of 678 soldiers is to march behind an army band of 36 members
in a Republic Day parade. The two groups are to march in the same number of columns.
What is the maximum number of columns they can march?
(Board Term I, 2017)

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 32. On a morning walk, three persons steps off together and their steps measure 40
cm, 42 cm, and 45 cm respectively. What is the minimum distance each should walk so
that each can cover same distance in complete steps?
(Board Term I, 2015)

LA (4/5 / 6 marks)

33. A sweet shopkeeper prepares 396 gulab jamuns and 342 ras-gullas. He packs them
into containers. Each container consists of either gulab jamun or ras-gullas but have
equal number of pieces. Find the number of pieces he should put in each box so that
number of boxes are least. (Board Term I, 2017)

34. Find the largest possible positive integer that divides 125, 162 and 259 leaving
remainder 5, 6 and 7 respectively. (Board Term I, 2017)

1.3 Revisiting Irrational Numbers

SA I (2 marks)
2
35. Show that 5 + 7 is an irrational number, where 7 is given to be an irrational
number.
(2020)
3+ 7
36. Show that 5
is an irrational number, given that 7 is irrational.
(2019C)

37. Given that 2 is irrational, prove that (5 + 3 2) is an irrational number.

(2018)

38. How many irrational numbers lie between 2 and 3 ? Write any two of them.
(Board Term I, 2017)

2
39. (a) Prove that 7- 3 is an irrational number, given that 3 is an irrational number

OR

(b) Explain why (7 × 11 × 13 + 2 × 11) is not a prime number.

(2024)

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 SA II (3 marks)

40. Prove that 3 is an irrational number.

(2023)

41. Prove that 5 is an irrational number.

(2023, NCERT, AI 2019)

42. Prove that 2 is an irrational number.

(2020 C, NCERT, Delhi 2019)

43. Prove that 2 + 5 3 is an irrational number, given that 3 is an irrational number.

(
2019)

3
44. Prove that 7 − 5 is an irrational number, given that 5 is an irrational number.
(2024)

LA (4/5 / 6 marks)

45. Define irrational number and prove that 3 + 2 5 is an irrational number.

(NCERT, Board Term I, 2017)

46. Prove that 2 + 5 is an irrational number.

(Board Term I, 2015)

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 Class 10 Mathematics
PYQ Solutions
Chapter-1 : Real Numbers

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 1. (c): Total number of factors of a prime number is 2 i.e., 1 and number itself.
2. (D) 0 (2024)
3. (a): Least composite number = 4
Least prime number = 2 ∴
HCF = 2, LCM = 4
2
∴ Required ratio = 4 i.e., 1: 2
4. . (b) : We know that,
HCF × LCM = Product of two numbers
⇒ 13 × LCM = 39 × 91
⇒ 39×19=273
LCM = 13
5. (a) : Given, HCF = 12
Let two numbers be 12a and 12b
So, 12a × 12b= 6336 ⇒ ab= 44
We can write 44 as product of two numbers in these ways: ab = 1 × 44 = 2 × 22 = 4 ×
11
Here, we will take a = 1 and b = 44; a = 4 and b= 11.
We do not take ab = 2 × 22 because 2 and 22 are not co-prime to each other. For a = 1 and
b = 44, 1st no. = 12a = 12, 2nd no. = 12b = 528
For a = 4 and b = 11, 1st no. = 12a = 48, 2nd no. = 12b = 132
Hence, we get two pairs of numbers, (12,528) and (48,132)

6. (d) : For n = 1,2,3,4 …

(12) cannot end with 0
7. (b) : We have,

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 ∴ Prime factorisation of 385 = 5 × 7 × 11

8. (c): We have, 12 = 2 × 2 × 3 = 22 × 3
21 = 3 × 7
15 = 3 × 5
∴ HCF (12,21,15) = 3 and
LCM (12,21,15) = 22 × 3 × 5 × 7 = 420
9. (A) 2 (2024)
10. (C)1200 (2024)
11. Let the other number be x.
12. As, HCF (a, b) × LCM (a, b) = a × b

⇒ 13 × 182 = 91
13 × 182 = 26 × x ⇒ x = 26

Hence, other number is 91.

13. Since, HCF (a, b) × LCM (a, b) = a × b
∴ HCF (336,54) × LCM (336,54) = 336 × 54
⇒ 6 × LCM (336,54) = 18144
⇒ LCM (336,54) =18144/6 = 3024
We know that, HCF (a, b) × LCM (a, b) = a × b
⇒ 5 × 200 = ab ⇒ ab = 1000
14. We know that, HCF (a, b) × LCM (a, b) = a × b
⇒ 5 × 200 = ab ⇒ ab = 1000
15. Smallest prime number = 2 Smallest
composite number = 4 HCF (2,4) = 2

16. The prime factor of 6 = (2 × 3) = 2 ×3 .

Therefore prime factorisation of 6 does not contain any prime factor 5 . Hence, 6 can never
ends with the digit 0 for any natural number.

17. Let the other number be x.

As, HCF (a, b) × LCM (a, b) = a × b 27 ×
27 × 162
162 = 54� ⇒ � =
54
= 81

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 18. Let the other number be x.
We know that, HCF (a, b) × LCM (a, b) = a × b ∴ 27 ×
2079 = 297 × x
⇒ 2079 × 27
x= 297

= 189
Hence, other number is 189.
19. 84 = 2 × 2 × 3 × 7
144 = 2 × 2 × 2 × 2 × 3 × 3
∴ HCF = 2 × 2 × 3 = 12 (2024)

20. 336 = 24 × 3 ×7 and 54 = 2 × 33

HCF = 2× 3 = 6 LCM
= 24 ×33× 7
= 3024
(2024)
21. LCM ×18 = 306×1314
306×1314
LCM = 18

= 22,338
22. LCM = 100
After 100 minutes from 12:00 noon
⇒ They will beep again together at 1:40 pm -
(2024)
23. Given, least number which when divided by 12,16 and 24 leaves remainder 7 in each case

∴ least number = LCM (12,16,24) + 7 = 48 + 7 = 55 24. 24.

Let the two numbers be 2x and 3x
LCM of 2x and 3x= 6x,HCF (2x, 3x) = x Now,
6x= 180
[Given]

186 = 30
X= 6

25. We have, 2 × 3 × 5 + 5 and 5 × 7 × 11 + 7 × 5. We can

write these numbers as :

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 2 × 3 × 5 + 5 = 5(2 × 3 + 1)
=1×5×7
and 5 × 7 × 11 + 7 × 5 = 5 × 7(11 + 1)
= 5 × 7 × 12 = 1 × 5 × 7 × 12
Since, on simplifying, we find that both the numbers have more than two factors. So,
these are composite numbers.

26. Since, HCF (65,117) = 13

Given HCF (65,117) = 65n − 117
⇒ 13 = 65n − 117
⇒ 65n= 13 + 117 ⇒ n = 2
27. Prime factorisation of 612 and 1314 are
612 = 2 × 2 × 3 × 3 × 17
1314 = 2 × 3 × 3 × 73
∴ HCF (612,1314) = 2 × 3 × 3 = 18
28. . 5050 = 2 × 5 × 5 × 101 = 2 × 52 × 101
Yes, it is unique.
29. Prime factorisation of 231 and 396 are
231 = 3 × 7 × 11
396 = 2 × 2 × 3 × 3 × 11
HCF (231,396) = 3 × 11 = 33 ≠ 1
Hence, the two numbers are not co-prime.
30. Using the factor tree method, we have

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 ⇒ 404 = 2 × 2 × 101 and 96 = 2 × 2 × 2 × 2 × 2 × 3
∴ HCF of 404 and 96 = 2 × 2 = 4
LCM of 404 and 96 = 2 × 2 × 2 × 2 × 2 × 3 × 101 = 9696 Also
404 × 96 = 38784
LCM × HCF = 9696 × 4 = 38784
Thus, HCF × LCM = Product of two numbers.

31. Number of soldiers in an army contingent

= 678 = 2 × 3 × 113
Number of members in an army band = 36 = 2 × 2 × 3 ×
3
The maximum number of columns such that two groups can march in same number of
columns is
HCF of 678 and 36.
HCF (678,36) = 2 × 3 = 6
So, the maximum number of columns they can march is 6.

32. The prime factorisation of 40,42,45 are 40 = 2

× 2 × 2 × 5 = 23 × 51
42 = 2 × 3 × 7
45 = 3 × 3 × 5 = 32 × 5

∴ LCM (40,42,45) = 23 × 33 × 51 × 71
= 8 × 9 × 5 × 7 = 2520
∴ Required distance = 2520 cm or 0.0252 km
33. Number of gulab jamuns = 396 = 2 × 2 × 3 × 3 × 11
Number of ras-gullas = 342 = 2 × 3 × 3 × 19
HCF (396,342) = 2 × 3 × 3 = 18
So, shopkeeper will put 18 sweets in each box such that number of boxes are least
34. It is given that the required number when divides 125, 162, 259 leaves the remainder 5,6,7
respectively. This means that 125 − 5 = 120,162 − 6 = 156, 259 − 7 = 252 are divisible by
the required number.
The required number is HCF of all these numbers.
The prime factorisation of 120,156,252 are
120 = 2 × 2 × 2 × 3 × 5
156 = 2 × 2 × 3 × 13; 252 = 2 × 2 × 3 × 3 × 7
HCF (120,156,252) = 2 × 2 × 3 = 12
Hence, the required number is 12.

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 35. Suppose 5 + 2√7 is a rational number.
∴ We can find two integers 𝑎, 𝑏(𝑏 ≠ 0) such that
𝑎
5 + 2√7 = , where 𝑎 and 𝑏 are co-prime.
𝑏

𝑎 1 𝑎
⇒ 2√7 = − 5 ⇒ √7 = � − 5�
𝑏 2 𝑏

⇒ √7 is a rational number
1 𝑎
[∵ 𝑎, 𝑏 are integers, so � − 5� is a rational number]
2 𝑏

But this contradicts the fact that √7 is an irrational number. Hence, our assumption is wrong. Thus,
5 + 2√7 is an irrational number.

3+√7
36. Suppose is rational number.
5
3+√7 𝑝
∴ We can find two integers 𝑝 and 𝑞(𝑞 ≠ 0) such that = , where 𝑝 and 𝑞 are co-prime.
5 𝑞

5𝑝
⇒ 3 + √7 =
𝑞
5𝑝
⇒ √7 = − 3 ⇒ √7 is a rational number.
𝑞

5𝑝
[∵ 𝑝 and 𝑞 are integers, so − 3 is a rational number ]
𝑞

But this contradicts the fact that √7 is an irrational number.

Hence, our supposition is wrong.

3+√7
Thus, is an irrational number.
5

37. Let (5 + 3√2) is rational.

𝑎
Then, 5 + 3√2 = , where 𝑎, 𝑏(≠ 0) are coprime numbers
𝑏

𝑎 𝑎 − 5𝑏
∴ 3√2 = − 5 ⇒ √2 =
𝑏 3𝑏

⇒ √2 is rational number.

𝑎 − 5𝑏
�∵ 𝑎, 𝑏 are integers ∴ is rational �
3𝑏
But this contradicts the fact that √2 is irrational.

Hence, 5 + 3√2 an also irrational number.

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 But this contradicts the fact that √2 is irrational.

Hence, 5 + 3√2 an also irrational number.

38. There are infinite irrational numbers between √2 and √3. Examples are √2.1 and √2.3.

39. Solution: (a) Let us assume that x = – 7 – 2 3 is a rational number

–7– x
 3 =
2
Now RHS is rational but LHS is irrational
 our assumption is wrong
Hence – 7 – 2 3 is irrational.
OR
(b) 7 11  13 + 2  11 = 11  (7  13 + 2)
 the given number has more than two factors
Hence, it is not a prime number.
(2024)
40. Let us assume that √3 is a rational number.
𝑎
Then √3 = ; where 𝑎 and 𝑏(≠ 0) are co-prime positive integers.
𝑏
Squaring on both sides, we get
𝑎2
3= ⇒ 𝑎2 = 3𝑏 2 ⇒ 3 divides 𝑎2
𝑏2

⇒ 3 divides 𝑎 …(i)

⇒ 𝑎 = 3𝑐, where 𝑐 is an integer

Again, squaring on both sides, we get

𝑎2 = 9𝑐 2

⇒ 3𝑏 2 = 9𝑐 2 ⇒ 𝑏 2 = 3𝑐 2 ⇒ 3 divides 𝑏 2
⇒ 3 divides 𝑏 …..(ii)

From (i) and (ii), we get 3 divides both 𝑎 and 𝑏.

⇒ 𝑎 and 𝑏 are not co-prime integers.

This contradicts the fact that 𝑎 and 𝑏 are co-primes.

Hence, √3 is an irrational number.

41. Solution: (a) Let us assume that x = 7 – 3 5 is a rational number

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 7x
 5 =
3
RHS is rational
 5 is rational
Which contradicts the fact that 5 is an irrational number
 our assumption is wrong.
Hence, 7 – 3 5 is irrational.

(2024)
42. Let us assume that √5 is a rational number.
𝑎
Then √5 = ; where 𝑎 and 𝑏(≠ 0) are co-prime integers.
𝑏

Squaring on both sides, we get

𝑎2
5= ⇒ 𝑎2 = 5𝑏 2
𝑏2
⇒ 5 divides 𝑎2

⇒ 5 divides 𝑎 …(i)

⇒ 𝑎 = 5𝑐, where 𝑐 is an integer

Again, squaring on both sides, we get

𝑎2 = 25𝑐 2
⇒ 5𝑏 2 = 25𝑐 2 ⇒ 𝑏 2 = 5𝑐 2

⇒ 5 divides 𝑏 2

⇒ 5 divides 𝑏 ….(ii)

From (i) and (ii), we get 5 divides both 𝑎 and 𝑏.

⇒ 𝑎 and 𝑏 are not co-prime integers.

Hence, our supposition is wrong.

Thus, √5 is an irrational number.

43. Let us assume √2 be a rational number.
𝑝
Then, √2 = , where 𝑝, 𝑞(𝑞 ≠ 0) are integers and co-prime.
𝑞

On squaring both sides, we get

𝑝2
2= ⇒ 𝑝2 = 2𝑞 2 …(i)
𝑞2

⇒ 2 divides 𝑝2 ⇒ 2 divides 𝑝 ….(ii)

So, 𝑝 = 2𝑎, where 𝑎 is some integer.

Again squaring on both sides, we get 10

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𝑝2 = 4𝑎2 ⇒ 2𝑞 2 = 4𝑎2 #𝑢𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑔 (𝑖)
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 (using (i))

⇒ 𝑞 2 = 2𝑎2

⇒ 2 divides 𝑞 2 ⇒ 2 divides 𝑞 ….(iii)

From (ii) and (iii), we get

2 divides both 𝑝 and 𝑞.

∴ 𝑝 and 𝑞 are not co-prime integers.

Hence, our assumption is wrong.

Thus, √2 is an irrational number.

44. Suppose 2 + 5√3 is a rational number.
𝑎
∴ We can find two integers 𝑎, 𝑏(𝑏 ≠ 0) such that 2 + 5√3 = , where 𝑎 and 𝑏 are co-prime
𝑏
integers.

𝑎 1 𝑎
⇒ 5√3 = − 2 ⇒ √3 = � − 2�
𝑏 5 𝑏

⇒ √3 is a rational number.
1 𝑎
[∵ 𝑎, 𝑏 are integers, so � − 2� is a rational number. ]
5 𝑏

But this contradicts the fact that √3 is an irrational number.

Hence, our assumption is wrong.

Thus, 2 + 5√3 is an irrational number.

45. Irrational number is a number which can not be written in the form 𝑝, where 𝑝 and 𝑞 are integers and
𝑞
𝑞 ≠ 0.
First, we prove that √5 is an irrational number.
Let us assume that √5 is a rational number.
𝑎
Then √5 = ; where 𝑎 and 𝑏(≠ 0) are co-prime integers.
𝑏

Squaring on both sides, we get

𝑎2
5= ⇒ 𝑎2 = 5𝑏 2 ⇒ 5 divides 𝑎2
𝑏2

⇒ 5 divides 𝑎 …(i)

⇒ 𝑎 = 5𝑐, where 𝑐 is an integer

Again, squaring on both sides, we get

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 𝑎2 = 25𝑐 2

⇒ 5𝑏 2 = 25𝑐 2 ⇒ 𝑏 2 = 5𝑐 2 ⇒ 5 divides 𝑏 2

⇒ 5 divides 𝑏 …(ii)

From (i) and (ii), we get 5 divides both 𝑎 and 𝑏.

⇒ 𝑎 and 𝑏 are not co-prime integers.

This contradicts the fact that 𝑎 and 𝑏 are co-primes.

Hence, √5 is an irrational number.

Now, to prove 3 + 2√5 is an irrational number.

Suppose 3 + 2√5 is a rational number ∴ We can find two integers 𝑎, 𝑏(𝑏 ≠ 0) such that 3 + 2√5 =
𝑎
(where 𝑎 and 𝑏 are co-prime)
𝑏

𝑎 1 𝑎
⇒ 2√5 = − 3 ⇒ √5 = � − 3�
𝑏 2 𝑏

⇒ √5 is a rational number

∵ 𝑎, 𝑏 are integers,
� 1 𝑎 �
∴ � − 3� is a rational number
2 𝑏

But this contradicts the fact that √5 is an irrational number.

Hence, our assumption is wrong.

Thus, 3 + 2√5 is an irrational number.

𝑝
Irrational number is a number which can not be written in the form , where 𝑝 and 𝑞 are integers and
𝑞
𝑞 ≠ 0.
First, we prove that √5 is an irrational number.
Let us assume that √5 is a rational number.
𝑎
Then √5 = ; where 𝑎 and 𝑏(≠ 0) are co-prime integers.
𝑏

Squaring on both sides, we get

𝑎2
5= ⇒ 𝑎2 = 5𝑏 2 ⇒ 5 divides 𝑎2
𝑏2

⇒ 5 divides 𝑎 …(i)

⇒ 𝑎 = 5𝑐, where 𝑐 is an integer

Again, squaring on both sides, we get

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 𝑎2 = 25𝑐 2

⇒ 5𝑏 2 = 25𝑐 2 ⇒ 𝑏 2 = 5𝑐 2 ⇒ 5 divides 𝑏 2

⇒ 5 divides 𝑏 …(ii)

From (i) and (ii), we get 5 divides both 𝑎 and 𝑏.

⇒ 𝑎 and 𝑏 are not co-prime integers.

This contradicts the fact that 𝑎 and 𝑏 are co-primes.

Hence, √5 is an irrational number.

Now, to prove 3 + 2√5 is an irrational number.

Suppose 3 + 2√5 is a rational number ∴ We can find two integers 𝑎, 𝑏(𝑏 ≠ 0) such that 3 + 2√5 =
𝑎
(where 𝑎 and 𝑏 are co-prime)
𝑏

𝑎 1 𝑎
⇒ 2√5 = − 3 ⇒ √5 = � − 3�
𝑏 2 𝑏

⇒ √5 is a rational number
∵ 𝑎, 𝑏 are integers,
� 1 𝑎 �
∴ � − 3� is a rational number
2 𝑏

But this contradicts the fact that √5 is an irrational number.

Hence, our assumption is wrong.

Thus, 3 + 2√5 is an irrational number.

46. First we prove that √5 is an irrational number.

Let us assume that √5 is a rational number.

𝑎
Then √5 = ; where 𝑎 and 𝑏(≠ 0) are co-prime integers.
𝑏

Squaring on both sides, we get

𝑎2
5= ⇒ 𝑎2 = 5𝑏 2 ⇒ 5 divides 𝑎2
𝑏2

⇒ 5 divides 𝑎 ….(i)

⇒ 𝑎 = 5𝑐, where 𝑐 is an integer

Again, squaring on both sides, we get

𝑎2 = 25𝑐 2

⇒ 5𝑏 2 = 25𝑐 2 ⇒ 𝑏 2 = 5𝑐 2

⇒ 5 divides 𝑏 2

⇒ 5 divides 𝑏 ….(ii)

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 From (i) and (ii), we get 5 divides both 𝑎 and 𝑏.

⇒ 𝑎 and 𝑏 are not co-prime integers.

This contradicts the fact that 𝑎 and 𝑏 are co-primes.

Hence, √5 is an irrational number.

Now, to prove that 2 + √5 is an irrational number.

Suppose 2 + √5 is a rational number.

𝑎
∴ We can find two integers 𝑎, 𝑏(𝑏 ≠ 0) such that 2 + √5 = (where 𝑎, 𝑏 are co-prime)
𝑏

𝑎
⇒ √5 = −2
𝑏

⇒ √5 is a rational number as 𝑎, 𝑏 are integers and so,

𝑎
− 2 is rational number.
𝑏

But this contradicts the fact that √5 is an irrational number.

Hence our assumption is wrong.

Thus, 2 + √5 is an irrational number.

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