How Many 3-Digit Numbers Between 100 and 999 Are Divisible by 11?

When exploring three-digit numbersβ€”those ranging from 100 to 999β€”a common question arises: How many of these numbers are divisible by 11? Understanding this not only helps in number theory but also enhances practical skills in divisibility rules. A key insight lies in the divisibility rule of 11, which states that a number is divisible by 11 if the difference between the sum of its digits in odd positions and the sum of its digits in even positions is a multiple of 11.

In a 3-digit number, abc (where a, b, c are individual digits), position 1 (leftmost) is odd, position 2 is even, and position 3 is odd. Thus, the rule becomes:

Understanding the Context

(a + c) βˆ’ b must be divisible by 11.

Since a ranges from 1 to 9, and b and c range from 0 to 9, the maximum value of (a + c) is 9 + 9 = 18, and the minimum is 0 + 0 = 0. So, (a + c βˆ’ b) ranges from –9 (if a=1, c=0, b=9) to 18 (if a=9, c=9, b=0). The only multiples of 11 within this range are βˆ’11, 0, and 11. But since βˆ’11 < –9, we exclude it. Thus, valid differences are:

πŸ”Ή (a + c βˆ’ b) = 0 or (a + c βˆ’ b) = 11

We now count all 3-digit numbers (100 to 999) satisfying either condition.

Key Insights


Case 1: (a + c βˆ’ b) = 0

This means:
a + c = b

But since b is a single digit (0–9), a + c ≀ 9 (because b ≀ 9). Also, a β‰₯ 1, so a ranges from 1 to 9.

We iterate over all valid (a, c) pairs where a + c ≀ 9, and set b = a + c. Since b must be a digit (0–9), and a β‰₯ 1, a + c can range from 1 to 9.

For each valid a from 1 to 9:

  • The smallest c is 0, largest is min(9 βˆ’ a, 9)
    But since a + c ≀ 9 β†’ c ≀ 9 βˆ’ a
    And c must be β‰₯ 0

Final Thoughts

So, number of valid c values = (9 βˆ’ a + 1) = 10 βˆ’ a

But only if 10 βˆ’ a β‰₯ 1 β†’ a ≀ 9 (always true).

Sum over a from 1 to 9:
Total = Ξ£β‚β‚Œβ‚βΉ (10 βˆ’ a) = (9+8+...+1) = 45

Each such (a, c) gives exactly one b = a + c (since b must be digit, and a + c ≀ 9 β†’ valid).
So, Case 1 yields 45 numbers.

Example: a=3, c=5 β†’ b=8 β†’ number 385 β†’ (3+5)βˆ’8 = 8βˆ’8 = 0 β†’ divisible by 11 βœ…


Case 2: (a + c βˆ’ b) = 11

This means:
a + c = b + 11 β†’ b = a + c βˆ’ 11

Here, b must be between 0 and 9 inclusive. So:
0 ≀ a + c βˆ’ 11 ≀ 9 β†’
11 ≀ a + c ≀ 20

But max a + c = 9 + 9 = 18 β†’ so a + c ranges from 11 to 18

For each sum s = a + c from 11 to 18, we compute number of (a, c) pairs where a ∈ [1,9], c ∈ [0,9], and a + c = s.