Divisibility Test Calculator

Test if numbers are divisible by 2-13 using mathematical rules and step-by-step explanations

Test Divisibility

Enter any positive integer to test its divisibility

Quick Reference

Even numbers (2): Last digit is 0, 2, 4, 6, 8
Sum rules (3, 9): Sum of digits divisible by 3 or 9
Last digits (4, 8): Last 2 or 3 digits divisible by 4 or 8
Ending rules (5, 10): Ends in 0/5 for 5, ends in 0 for 10
Alternating sum (11): Alternating sum of digits divisible by 11

Example Tests

Example 1: Testing 144

Divisible by 2: Last digit 4 is even ✓
Divisible by 3: 1+4+4=9, and 9÷3=3 ✓
Divisible by 4: Last two digits 44, and 44÷4=11 ✓
Divisible by 8: 144÷8=18 ✓
Divisible by 9: Sum of digits 9÷9=1 ✓

Example 2: Testing 1001

Divisible by 7: 100 - (2×1) = 98, and 98÷7=14 ✓
Divisible by 11: 1-0+0-1=0, and 0÷11=0 ✓
Divisible by 13: 1-1=0, and 0÷13=0 ✓
Result: 1001 = 7 × 11 × 13

Example 3: Testing 123

Divisible by 2: Last digit 3 is odd ✗
Divisible by 3: 1+2+3=6, and 6÷3=2 ✓
Divisible by 5: Doesn't end in 0 or 5 ✗
Divisible by 11: 3-2+1=2, not divisible by 11 ✗

Divisibility Rules

2: Last digit even
3: Sum of digits ÷ 3
4: Last 2 digits ÷ 4
5: Ends in 0 or 5
6: Divisible by 2 and 3
7: Subtract 2× last digit
8: Last 3 digits ÷ 8
9: Sum of digits ÷ 9
10: Ends in 0
11: Alternating sum ÷ 11
12: Divisible by 3 and 4
13: Alternating sum of 3-digit blocks ÷ 13

Quick Tips

Start with easy tests like 2, 5, and 10

For composite numbers, test their prime factors

Sum-based rules (3, 9) can be applied repeatedly

Practice alternating sums for 11 and 13

Remember: 0 is divisible by all numbers

Understanding Divisibility Tests

What are Divisibility Tests?

Divisibility tests are mathematical shortcuts that help determine whether one number divides another without performing the actual division. These rules save time and make mental math easier, especially with large numbers.

Why are They Important?

  • Speed up mental arithmetic calculations
  • Help in factorization and simplifying fractions
  • Useful in number theory and cryptography
  • Build understanding of number patterns

Types of Rules

Last Digit Rules

For 2, 5, 10: Check only the last digit(s)

Sum Rules

For 3, 9: Add all digits and test the sum

Alternating Rules

For 11, 13: Alternating addition and subtraction

Composite Rules

For 6, 12: Test divisibility by prime factors

Mathematical Foundation

Most divisibility rules work because of modular arithmetic properties. For example, since 10 ≡ 1 (mod 3), each digit position contributes equally to the remainder when dividing by 3, making the sum-of-digits rule valid.

Powers of 10

10¹ ≡ 1 (mod 3, 9)
10² ≡ 1 (mod 4)
10³ ≡ 1 (mod 8)

Alternating Patterns

10 ≡ -1 (mod 11)
10³ ≡ -1 (mod 13)
Creating alternating sums