How to Find the Smallest Integer with Specific Remainders?

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SUMMARY

The smallest positive integer that gives a remainder of 4 when divided by 12, 17, 45, or 70 is 4. The discussion highlights the use of equivalence classes, specifically x ≡ 4 (mod 12), x ≡ 4 (mod 17), x ≡ 4 (mod 45), and x ≡ 4 (mod 70). While the approach of multiplying the moduli and adding 4 is mentioned, it does not yield the smallest integer. The least common multiple (LCM) of the moduli can be added to 4 to find subsequent solutions.

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CalculusSandwich
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Find the smallest positive integer which when divided by 12, by 17, by 45 or by 70 gives
a remainder of 4 in each case.

I know I can approach this problem by writing the equivalence classes.

x=4mod12
x=4mod17
x=4mod45 or x=4mod70

I also know I can find x by multiplying 12*17*45 + 4, but this isn't the smallest positive integer.

Can someone help me with a formula I can use?
 
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Erm... how about the solution x=4?
It is a solution and I don't think there are any smaller positive integers that are also a solution.
 
If you for some reason do not like the number 4, you have to add the lcm of your moduli to get the next.
 

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