Digital Root (Mod 9)

A number's remainder mod 9 is the same as its digit sum's remainder.

4573 mod 9 = 1

Every power of ten leaves remainder 1 against 9, so each digit counts itself.

Add the digits: 19. Still two digits, so fold again: 1 + 9 = 10, then 1.

That last single digit is the remainder: 4573 leaves 1 when divided by 9.

Your turn

Three to try in your head — tap what you get.

9064 mod 3

8426 mod 3

5550 mod 9

Keep practicing free in Math Challenge

All 36 shortcuts: the Magic Tricks library.