Logic to check the number is divisible by 3 or not?

Question

without using %, / or * , I have to find the no. is divisible by 3 or not?

it might be an interview question.

Thanks.

Answer 1

Suppose n is the number in question and it is non-negative.

If n is 0 it is divisible by 3; otherwise n = (2^p)*(2*n1+1) and n is divisible by 3 iff 2*n1+1 is, iff there is a k>=0 with 2*n1+1 = 3*(2*k+1) iff n1 = 3*k+1 iff n1=1 or n1> 1 and n1-1 is divisible by 3. So:

int ism3( int n)
{   for(;n;)
    {    while( !(n & 1)) n >>= 1;
         n >>= 1;
         if ( n == 0) return 0;
         n-= 1;
    }
    return 1;
 }