In an ordinary (non-leap) year, March begins on the same weekday as which pair of months?
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AFebruary and November
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BJanuary and November
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CFebruary and October
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DJanuary and September
Answer
Correct Answer: February and November
Explanation
Introduction / Context:Month-start weekdays follow fixed offsets mod 7 that depend on whether the year is leap or common. The task is to match March's start day in an ordinary year.
Given Data / Assumptions:
- Ordinary (non-leap) year month offsets (mod 7) often used: Jan 0, Feb 3, Mar 3, Apr 6, May 1, Jun 4, Jul 6, Aug 2, Sep 5, Oct 0, Nov 3, Dec 5 (relative to a reference).
Concept / Approach:Months that share the same offset begin on the same weekday.
Step-by-Step Solution:From the standard offsets for a common year, March has offset 3.February also has offset 3 in a common year.November has offset 3 as well.Thus March begins on the same weekday as February and November.
Verification / Alternative check:Check any common year calendar (e.g., 2021): Feb 1 and Mar 1 both occur on Monday; Nov 1 also on Monday.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:Pairs listed do not both share March's offset in a common year.
Common Pitfalls:Using leap-year offsets where February's alignment shifts.
Final Answer:February and November